Back Tracking – Can I return to my old employer?
| September 30, 2011 | Posted by Richard Scott under Career Planning, Corporate Life, Job Hunting, mentors, motivation, Personal Performance, Resume, Sense of purpose, Work Life Balance, Working Hours |
You’ve orchestrated a new role in a new company, it was exciting, there was a strong vision, there was a promise of more money and glory – it was going to be great. What happens if when you get there that it’s not great, what if the vision is empty and even the money isn’t there? What if you realise – gee wiz – my last employer offered flexibility, great education, real vision and the money was always OK? Can I back track?
I know 5 people going through this situation right now, I watched them leave and after the black-out period of ‘they’re so busy in their new job to realise’ phase they have stopped and realised – what have I done?
The short answer to the question is YES! If you left professionally and on good terms with your previous employer then of course anyone in their right mind would take you back (as long as they are hiring…).
• You will need to overcome your ego telling you ‘I can’t go back there with my tail between my legs’
• You will need to deal with the fact that they may not match your new salary.
• You may need to deal with the fact you may not get your exact same job back.
• You will need to realise that your employer may not look at you like you’re an employee for life
But these are all reasonable things and as long as you can cope then you could be back in the warm embrace of your previous employer before you know it. Just as you will likely be forgotten two weeks after you left, it will likely be forgotten you ever left two weeks after you return.
One of my friends left to pursue a dream job for the same money with loads of promises and once he arrived they were pretty much all broken including money. Another one found the company, their capabilities and the role was totally uninspiring and whilst they were paying him more it was like a country club.
Not every career adventure ends in a happy finale so if back tracking is on your mind get going whilst someone still knows your name, Cheers.
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With the emphasis being on “If you left professionally and on good terms …..”, which is, of course, a two way street. But I’m guessing that if you feel like going back to an old employer that the separation was handled that way on their part anyway.
Good points to raise, Richard, and I’ve seen this happen with great result for all parties.
Something I often think about. I worked at an animal shelter for 3 years and really enjoyed it, and only left because I found another job that I really enjoy, too. It’s such a shame that they don’t both fit in my life, as they are both great positions.
Thanks for the comment, I guess what a blessing it is to be able to work two different places that you enjoy. Cheers,