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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Colleague wants her job back

115 replies

PrincessHoneysuckle · 03/07/2026 07:27

I started with a new employer two years ago and got promoted to my dream position a year ago.
I get on brilliantly with my team and im loving it.
The only fly in the ointment is that the person who used to do my job is on the team in a role with more responsibility and she hates it,finds it hard and stressful and wishes she'd never applied.
She actually told me yesterday that she wants her old job back and could we swap if allowed?
This is putting me in an awkward position as im sympathetic towards the fact that shes regretting her decision but at the same time this is MY job we're talking about.
AIBU to think for the love of God tell other people this if you need to vent not me.

OP posts:
CCLCECSC · 03/07/2026 07:49

If she's unhappy in her role, then she needs to raise with management

RoseField1 · 03/07/2026 07:48

People can't just swap jobs?? She's barmy.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 03/07/2026 07:47

Yeah i know.Shes just probably seeing if id be up for it.

OP posts:
Ethelspagetti · 03/07/2026 07:46

She cannot just swap back?! Just say no or smile and say nothing. Once something similar happened at my last work place. The guy hated his promotion as it became office/ paper based when he used to teach adults with learning difficulties. They allowed him to go back to his old role and moved the other person elsewhere, apparently they could do this as the new person was on probation. Just say no and continue to do a good job. I’m pretty sure that’s not really allowed but he was highly thought of by the management team.

TY78910 · 03/07/2026 07:41

You can’t just ‘swap a job’ it doesn’t work like that. You are under no obligation to. And this is just breakroom talk, the higher ups probably have no involvement in this proposal.

TheTortiePuffinNeedsHerBreakfast · 03/07/2026 07:38

Absolutely not. It's not your problem to solve.

Larrythecatforpm · 03/07/2026 07:37

talk to your manager and say you’re not on board with it and your enjoying your role. If she asks say the same thing.

DarkForces · 03/07/2026 07:34

You need to nip this in the bud. Have a word with your manager and say that you are not on board if this proposal is made

Dexternight · 03/07/2026 07:34

PrincessHoneysuckle · 03/07/2026 07:33

Similar money with a fuck ton more responsibility

How can that be?
What an irresponsible employer.

Flatandhappy · 03/07/2026 07:33

Of course she can’t just have her job back, she moved on and was replaced. I would have a chat with HR and just let them know this is happening and is making you uncomfortable.

DozyCrow · 03/07/2026 07:33

If you're not interested in her job then say no. If she mentions it again then offer your sympathies that her new role isn't working out (if you feel generous) but be firm that switching is not an option.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 03/07/2026 07:33

itsanamething · 03/07/2026 07:29

Well would it be a promotion to her job and is she even in a position to offer it to you?

Edited

Similar money with a fuck ton more responsibility

OP posts:
CalmWriter · 03/07/2026 07:31

Just tell her no, you are enjoying your role and you’re happy.

She can apply for any other roles that come up or leave the company.

itsanamething · 03/07/2026 07:29

Well would it be a promotion to her job and is she even in a position to offer it to you?

MushMonster · 03/07/2026 07:29

No way
Full sentence and the real only answer.