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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To retract notice from job

23 replies

Citycat1 · 20/09/2021 19:08

A while ago I got a new job in a field I want to be in. I handed in my notice without signing contract for the new role as I know it will be OK and going through. However, as time has gone on, discussions with the new manager have got me worried. New manager is very 'laid back' and it's been hard work to get any professional discussion going on definite work patterns in the week and what projects will look like. I'm following a gut feeling that I'm not going to be managed very well.

Old job fought to keep me, and I was tempted to stay but thought new job would be better long term.

They are recruiting for my old job now. Could I ask for my old job back or is it too far down the line if it's been advertised and people are applying for it?

OP posts:

chipsandpeas · 20/09/2021 19:09

you can ask, they can say yes or no

nyktipolos · 20/09/2021 19:10

What's the worst that can happen? They say no.

If its what you want, it's worth trying for

rainyskylight · 20/09/2021 19:12

You can ask - bit embarrassing though

Twickerhun · 20/09/2021 19:14

You can ask, but they don’t have to say yes.

pelosi · 20/09/2021 19:14

Definitely ask, we've had colleagues leave, start somewhere else, hated it, and came back. Everyone just admires them for being so wanted.

LemonFantaGin · 20/09/2021 19:16

Its not embarrassing at all, that's the way it happens sometimes.

Good luck hope all goes well.

Sunflow · 20/09/2021 19:17

I did this once whilst working for a huge, very well known company. They had recruited my replacement and interviews were complete but they hadn't yet offered her the role. I got cold feet that afternoon at my leaving party and retracted my resignation. They allowed me to stay but I was fairly embarrassed. Better to be embarrassed though than go to another role that has red flags for you. Good luck, whatever you decide! 😊

MissMogwai · 20/09/2021 19:17

Ask anyway.

A couple of people have done this where I work and it was fine. I'm sure your company would rather retain you then go to the expense and time involved in recruitment.

If there are aspects of your current role you want to change maybe use that as an opener.

RoseGoldGlasses · 20/09/2021 19:19

Worth an ask.

People have done it loads at my place although they are starting to say no now as happening too often.

All they can say is no but then you'll have no regrets not asking

WoozySnoozy · 20/09/2021 19:21

You can ask but they might say no as they'll think you'll up and leave again. Depends how replaceable you are.

theseoldbone · 20/09/2021 19:30

What's actually changed though in regards to the old job? There must be a reason you wanted to leave. If nothing has changed then you'll be looking for something else anyway, just not this job

It sounds like you're wanting to stay in your old job so as to not have the blip on your Cv but continue to look for something else. For that reason as the employer I'd say no. But if I was you I'd at least ask.

Talktalkchat · 20/09/2021 19:30

Why did you leave in the first place?

crummyusername · 20/09/2021 19:41

Very likely they’d be relieved, especially as they fought to keep you. Just think about whether you’d then be committed to stay for a while as they might get hacked off if you quit again after six months.

HeronLanyon · 20/09/2021 19:44

Ask asap. Not embarrassing. Plans change all the time and change of job although though very carefully about is no different. If it is embarrassing then that will go quickly I would think.

Original poster

Citycat1 · 20/09/2021 19:48

Thank you everyone, such good replies. Its actually made me stop and think. I wanted to leave as current job is 2 hour commute away, each way. During lockdown I started working from home and it made life so much better for me and my family. I'm now in the office once a week (I work 3.5 days) but really, I need to be in a bit more. New job just down the road so much better for me.

I agree, I may end up still wanting to leave so I wouldn't want to do that to my current team and manager. It just wouldn't be fair on them. So might just have to roll with it!

OP posts:

Talktalkchat · 20/09/2021 19:49

@Citycat1

I agree, I may end up still wanting to leave so I wouldn't want to do that to my current team and manager. It just wouldn't be fair on them. So might just have to roll with it!

How can you ever manage a 4 hour commute?

I guess you asked to wfh etc?

Whichcatthatcat · 20/09/2021 19:56

I did once. I left a job on, hated my new one, so went back to my old place of work in another capacity as a temporary stop gap. (They new it was temporary, I was on a zero hours contract)
But they hadn't been successful in replacing me in the old role, so after a few months I asked if I could return and they jumped at the chance.

What the job at another place, and the time on zero hours showed me was what was important to me.
I had left for a shorter commute, but found that a long drive to a job loved was much better than a short drive to a place I hated.

Mrstamborineman · 20/09/2021 20:03

Ohhh I was in this situ … I withdrew my resignation and stayed. All good. Never mentioned again. Much much grovelling however.

theseoldbone · 20/09/2021 20:37

It sounds like the new role is the better option then. Good luck with it all OP

Babyroobs · 20/09/2021 20:40

I've done this before and they let me retract the notice. they hadn't advertised my post though. I also left for six months and then went back to my old job as I hated the new one.

Original poster

Citycat1 · 30/09/2021 15:15

Just thought I'd update on here. I did in fact ask to stay at my old job and they welcomed me with open arms, gave me a payrise and agreed to more flexible hours. It pays to go with that gut feeling sometimes!

OP posts:

ScottishNewbie · 30/09/2021 16:11

Love this update! Well done you!
More of us need to be confident in asking for what we want and need.
Congratulations!

UltimateBugKilla · 30/09/2021 16:51

What a lovely update, glad it worked out well for you.

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