To feel this way about a job

[SoThatHappened]

I left a job I didnt want to leave over a year ago. Basically forced out by a new bullying manager who had it in for me. Life was made so intolerable that I saw no choice but to go.

But I had settled there was happy there (until the last year) had lots of friends and alot of fond memories there. It was the best place I had ever worked until this experience at the end. I actively enjoyed going to work and looked forward to going in and seeing my colleagues and enjoyed my work.

The job I moved to next was horrendous and I realised I had made a massive mistake in leaving my old job. Then I lost my new job as unless you have worked somewhere for 2 years they can get rid of you for no reason which they did.

I torture myself every day for leaving my old job and yearn for when I was there and am kicking myself for leaving.

I spent a large chunk of my life there and it feels like a divorce almost, like a relationship has ended. Is job grief a thing?

[AlwaysHopeful1]

Yanbu, is that bullying manager still there? Would it be possible to try for another position at the previous company? Sorry about the job op

[leelu66]

That sounds horrible. Yes, job grief is a thing. I still remember a job I left 4 years ago very fondly. Sometimes I would love to go back to the person I was then and the colleagues I had then.

But most of the people I knew there have moved on. And I know there are better jobs/workplaces out there. It's a cliché but true - whenever a door closes, a window opens somewhere.

I would not go back now. If they offered you the job again, would you accept?

[SoThatHappened]

I cant go back as the bullying manager is still there and a couple of other newer managers were in on it too and they are all still there.

If they offered me a job I would jump for joy but I resisted my bullying very vehemently and I caused alot of issues with that. Who wouldnt react badly to being treated poorly. I dont think they would ever have me back now given the fall out.

That is is leelu66...not so much the job but the person I was there when I was happy is what I miss. It is true though alot of the people I worked with have moved on too and the department was almost unrecogniseable when I left.

But it was still better than where I ended up and better than no job.

[leelu66]

Then you definitely should not go back.

The right job will come along. As you say, I think you're nostalgic for the way things were then, and it probably won't be the same anymore (even if management changes). Are there similar positions in your field of work? Don't lose hope, keep applying and check websites like Glassdoor website to check how employees rate the company. Hope you find a (great) job soon x

[SoThatHappened]

Not really. My market area has collapsed.