To leave a job after 12 months to return to my old one?

[HereThereNowhere]

I would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences on this one!

A year ago I left a job I had been in for several years to take a similar one closer to home (same sort of company, basically the same job, although less responsibility). There's nothing really wrong with my new job - nice people, flexible working (depending on need I go in 1-2 a week), decent salary etc. However I have never really felt 'settled' or as if the job/company is 'me'. I have found myself missing my old job, colleagues, ways of working etc. There is also stuff coming down the line (don't want to give details but let's say workload / restructuring etc) that concerns me. However it is in many ways a less stressful, more relaxed environment than the one I left.

However my old job is currently being advertised. I'm still in contact with my previous manager, we had a quick text chat last night and I am 95% sure that if I applied I would get it. It would mean a longer and more expensive commute but again probably max 2 days per week, and some weeks not at all. I know the job and the company inside out, and it is in many ways a better 'fit', although the expectations of me would be higher. The salary increase would cover the commute.

I don't know whether to apply or not! Part of me thinks I've just got rose-tinted glasses on and I need to remember all the things that stressed me out in old job. Plus, will I feel stupid going back to a job I left? But I feel bored, uninspired and isolated in new job and haven't yet found my 'place' there, not sure if I ever will.

What would you do?

Should say, am 50 next year, kids at uni, was kind of hoping to 'step back' a bit from full-time work but equally need the money it brings!

Why did you leave the old job?

I left a company where I was happy for ‘ increased opportunities’. They asked me to go back ( never lost touch with my main boss) and after a year I did, because I liked the first place more.

you only have one life, do what makes you happy

I’ve just gone back to my old job. New job was an interesting opportunity but the company turned out not to suit me.

I'd find it strange going back, almost like I'm returning with my tail between my legs, but if you think you'd be happier there again then sure?

It’s important to think about why you left the first job to begin with and whether those reasons would still exist if you went back.

Personally, I wouldn’t want to go back to a former workplace. I’d feel like I was going backwards instead of progressing. Plus I like my current role anyway.

I did this a couple of years ago - absolutely no regrets. Sometimes you don't realise what a good fit you are in one place until you are taken out of it.

I also had a great conversation with my manager on my return about the things that originally made me look elsewhere & what we could do to change it. If you have a good relationship with your manager I would highly recommend doing the same, to make sure you don't end up wanting out again quickly.

There's not really a problem with going back if that's what you really want.
But have a long hard think about the reasons you left a year ago.

I returned to my old job after 2 months. It felt a bit weird but I hated where I was and missed my old place so much. They were happy to have me back and I got such a warm welcome, it felt like going home after a long holiday!

Great question

During the pandemic we'd moved a bit further out (yeah, I know, I know!) although old job was still commutable for hybrid working. But new job was much much closer (think 4-hour round trip versus 90 mins). That was the main reason.

I'd also got a bit fed up/frustrated in old job because over the years I'd taken on a LOT of extra responsibility/roles with no more pay etc and was feeling stuck. I was the one who always put my hand up, iyswim? I wouldn't have those same extra roles if I went back and would be a lot more careful about that 'extra-curricular' side of things.

One of my colleagues has left and returned twice. There's nothing wrong with doing that. You will have picked up some skills and will have an understanding of how somewhere else does things.

PwC actively keep in touch with their 'alumni' as they recognise that taking on a returner is less effort than training someone entirely new.

I also had a great conversation with my manager on my return about the things that originally made me look elsewhere & what we could do to change it. If you have a good relationship with your manager I would highly recommend doing the same, to make sure you don't end up wanting out again quickly

Yes, that would be a priority. A few people who never stepped up have now left and been replaced by 'brilliant new blood' (former colleague's words!), thank goodness.

Following. I too want to go back to my old job. I left exactly a year ago due to a horrid man who was my manager.

But he's just left too. Which means I can go back and live happily ever after with my friends and do a job I love.

I don't even know how to ask if I can go back! They haven't replaced me and the workload there is ridiculous and I can easily take the pressure off

Interesting - I thought most people would say noooo you can never go back!

This is quite common. At my company we call returners ‘boomerangs’. It doesn’t even surprised anyone anymore. It’s always nice to have a familiar face.

I want to be a boomerang 😂

I think I might want to be as well...previous boss has just texted me, there is some really interesting stuff going on in old job....argh!

Personally, I wouldn’t want to go back to a former workplace. I’d feel like I was going backwards instead of progressing.

This is a very fair point. However, realistically in terms of career progression / opportunities, the old place is a far better bet.

Just have a conversation! There's no harm in finding out the options, it's not making any commitment at this point.

You are not a tree you can move.

Life‘s too short to be miserable, you were happy where you were you’ve made a mistake, nobodies died, you can go back.

A four hour round commute is pretty hefty though..

A 4 hour commute would really wear me down. I'd be worn out after 6 months of that.

It is definitely not to be sniffed at. It's basically start of the line to end of the line. I'd get a seat though!

It would be variable - sometimes a couple of times a week, sometimes not at all. And I could work on the train a bit

But it's not cheap...

Just do it OP! Please tell us the outcome.

I'm not in contact with my ex colleagues anymore. I was daily right up until August so I fear I missed the boat....

Don’t expect things to be as they were a year ago. Which isn’t to say don’t do it, but remember that things will have moved on and changed while you weren’t there.