Have you ever went back to a job you hated?

n1guy

I left a job I hated some 4 years ago now, and when I say hate, hate is not really a strong enough word. We're talking about dropping a 20kg dumbbell on my foot in order to try and get a few days off on the sick level of hate, yes it really did !!!! my head and sanity up that job. In saying that I left with a glowing reference, and the boss said anytime I wanted to come back just give him a shout.

That reference I got was part of the reason I got my current job, my current boss said he'd never heard my previous boss say anything good about anyone such a hateful !!!! he was, so that says a lot.

The pay in my current job is really low, minimum wage low, even the guys there 30+ years are earning no more than £50-75 per month more than me, the trade off is its a great place to work with zero pressure, I knew this before I accepted the job and I thought it was enough but now the lack of money and prospects is getting to me. In that job I hated I earned £100 per month more and I was one of the lowest paid. Trying to survive on £7.50 per hour is damn near impossible with the cost of everything rising steadily.

I'm not convinced going back to that previous job would be the answer given I still have nightmares about that place and my IBS still flares up anytime I drive past it but I have been searching for a new job this past 6 months without even getting as much as an interview.

What would you do?

System

Went back to a job I did not like and stayed there for 12 years. I did not let the past experience of the job control my future decisions. I treated going back as a new start/new job and did not hold ill feelings (i.e forgiveness)

However the way you describe the hate for this company I would advise against it.

t0rt0ise

I wouldn't go back, I'd look for somewhere else. Try somewhere new.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

It's not a one or the other choice. There are a lot of jobs that pay a lot better than the one you hate and are more enjoyable. For the sake of £25 a week stay in the job you like and take time to look around, do courses, whatever you have to do to get something that pays better and that you can also tolerate. Doing these things should be quite manageable if your current job is stress free and enjoyable; it's nigh on impossible if you are working in something that sends you into a constant state of stress.

xapprenticex

Document all of your expenses and cut everything back till you are within your means. By all means continue looking.

If you want more mental health issues and possibly an early death then consider your old place.

[Deleted User]

Don't go back, there is always a reason why you left.

There were some people at interviews, for me, that would ask did you find out what made you leave first time.

When I returned I always felt on the back foot as grateful for them accepting me back so it was always going to be an awkward position.

bagpussbear

No, I wouldn't go back. If it was bad enough to make you feel ill with IBS etc, it's not worth it.

Either get another better paying job, do an additional job or - in true money saving style - work on cutting your outgoings so the loss in pay doesn't bite so much.

Fireflyaway

I wouldn't go back if its actually impacting on your health and wellbeing. You may not have found the job you want but it will happen eventually. I've been looking for about 6 months too. I think its harder than it used to be. Could you do a little course on the side whilst waiting to boost your chances?

davemorton

Doing something like pizza delivery or bar work one night a week would get you that extra £100, and by the sounds of it, a lot less stressful than your old job.

Detroit

Why did you hate it so much? The tasks? The culture? The people?
Has any of this changed?
Have you changed, and feel you could now cope with the difficulties more easily?
As they rated you so highly, is there any room to negotiate yourself a better situation if you returned?
If the answers to those questions are no, then it doesn't seem sensible to go back.
Instead, as others have said, work on improving your prospects from the 'comfort' of your existing role instead.

n1guy

Detroit wrote: »

Why did you hate it so much? The tasks? The culture? The people?
Has any of this changed?
Have you changed, and feel you could now cope with the difficulties more easily?
As they rated you so highly, is there any room to negotiate yourself a better situation if you returned?
If the answers to those questions are no, then it doesn't seem sensible to go back.
Instead, as others have said, work on improving your prospects from the 'comfort' of your existing role instead.

Bullying was seen as the norm and it came right from the boss at the top. I can't see any of it changing to be honest