To try to return to job I quit previously?

[BillyNoLates]

Theoretical question as no job offer atm. I worked very successfully (and generally happily) in a job for 5 years. My boss was very happy with my work and sad to see me resign. He tried to persuade me to stay, it was a bit fractious (he felt I'd been poached/disloyal) when I left. However, he wished me well, having made clear he hadn't wanted me to leave.

Nearly a year later, I hate the new job. I hated it almost from the start - new workplace has low morale, the work is less interesting and the higher pay hasn't been worth it at all (I'm very unhappy).

Album to try to return to my old employer? Does it ever work to 'return' to a workplace? I don't know if they'd like me back, just wondered whether it was a good idea to try? They liked me a lot whilst I worked there.

You could always test the waters, maybe suggesting a coffee with old boss.

You’ve nothing to lose by approaching your old employer. The worst that can happen is they say there isn’t a job for you and if they do take you back it’s not in their interest for them to bare any grudge about you leaving before.

i did this and came back after 4 months (realised v quickly that I’d made a mistake). Just emailed my old boss and explained the situation. This was a law firm where they needed a number of lawyers at each level of seniority- might be harder if there was only one position and it’s been filled. But no harm at all in asking.

We take back approx 20 to 30 'returners' or 'boomerangs' a year (company of 4000).

If you leave on good terms, and remain a good fit for an open role, we're always happy to hear people say they want to come back.

How competitive is your industry? I work in an industry that is constantly hiring and new hires take 6-12 months to train.

A “boomerang” is the best thing ever and unless they were shit/a massive dick we always jump at the chance and no one thinks anything other than “we’re so happy they’re back”.

You have nothing to lose by asking.

Ha cross post on the boomerang!

I’ve known a lot of people go back to their old company. Got to be worth a try.

We also have had a few 'boomerangs' at our workplace. It always seems to have worked out fine, there's no harm in testing the waters. There may no longer be a position for you though so it's best to be realistic.

I done this! Absolutely hated my new job. By day 3 I called my old boss and was back in my old role 2 days later.

8 years on I haven't looked back. It's always worth a shot ! Good luck 😊

I have done it! Turned out to be a very good decision.
I left on good terms, went to a new job and had an awful time with a horrific boss and ultimately walked out. I got back in touch with them but my position was filled- they offered me another job but it wouldn’t have been a very good fit for me. I found another job which was ok and worked there a couple of years quite happily. Then my original company got in touch with a great role & I returned. In my case it took time but have no regrets in going back

good luck OP! X

Oh thanks, I'm feeling much more positive now! I should really have tried to return within weeks of starting the new 'dream" job (which has actually just left me miserable). Glad to hear so many success stories though.

My previous firm had several jobs at my grade, so fingers crossed they may be willing and able to take me back!

I did this. It was fine.

I’m on of the boomerang stats
returned to my ‘old’ job of 6 years after a 1 year gap in later 2020-early 2021
I was still close to my colleagues and when having a coffee with one of them said I missed the company and people and wanted to come back and spoke about a vacancy I had seen on the jobs page however she told me of an opening in my old team that would be coming soon and she had a word with my old boss if this would be an external ad or internal only
I applied along with everyone else but they only interviewed me and one internal colleague and I got my old job back as was successful

its definitely worth reaching out to anyone you know in your old place and testing the waters and there is very much a pattern of this in the last year or so since the ‘great resignation’

DP did this and was back with her old organisation less than 24hrs later. Since then she's had two payrises and a promotion. So I'd say it's always worth a try!

I work for another company that has many boomerangs. Some have been left days, some a lot longer.

Its not really an issue. What’s the worst that can happen? They say no. That’s it.

Definitely try. My brother is still being contacted by his old employer (a bank) asking him to return to them even though he quit a few years ago. If the employer values a good employee, it shouldn't matter that you were "disloyal". Any employer should understand about wanting a career progression/more money.

We've had been people return several times at my place and it's always been fine. I say go for it.

I returned to my previous employer after four months and realising I’d made a mistake. I have quite a senior role but I was truthful and said it wasn’t working out. I think it’s important to address why you left in the first place. In my case it was because I was bored and losing motivation. So when I asked to return I asked them to combine two roles (both available), and said it would provide me with a challenge whilst saving them money.

They jumped at the chance, they were getting somebody good back, who they knew would be a good fit. I’ve since been promoted.

Don’t waste your time in a role you hate - life’s too short !