To go back to my old job after only 4 weeks in new one?

[notsureaboutthisjob]

I applied for and was successful in getting a new job a few months back. It's a sideways step so same salary, but much closer to home so saving me commuting time (really important with a 2 year old to think of as well, my days were so long in the other job with a long commute). It's a similar field and role to my old job but different development opportunities and a bit more exciting I'd say.

However, I'm 4 weeks in, and I don't feel that I like it. It's a different type of organisation and work environment to my last job and the team set up is very different. I just get a strong sense of "I don't belong". In my old job I felt very much part of a team and it was what I knew so I was comfortable and confident. My old job advert is still live and doesn't close until next weekend. I'm tempted to apply for it back, but would feel a bit silly doing that. I'm also wondering if it's too soon to throw in the towel after only 4 weeks?

Any thoughts?

A few years ago I got a new job and on my first day I knew I had made a mistake. I was very unhappy there and I had an anxiety dream about being back there just a couple of weeks ago.

But then I was definitely done with my old workplace and within 11 months I had found something better.

I guess you need to evaluate if this new role is inherently wrong for you or whether you are just craving the comfort of the familiar. And also whether it would be the right move for you to return to your old workplace.

Good luck either way.

@vincettenoir thank you for your reply. Yes I think there is an element of craving the familiar, absolutely. Maybe I need to give it a little longer. Going back to my old job would mean I felt that familiarity again but ultimately it would put me back in the same situation I was in before regarding commute etc.

I went back to my old job after two months. I'd kept in touch with my manager and after a month knew I'd made a mistake. He re employed me without even an interview, I've been back for over 5 years now and don't see myself as leaving until I retire. Sometimes it's a case of better the devil you know'

I'm 5 weeks in to my new job and last week felt the same as you weirdly - although my new job is further from home but much higher salary. I'm going to stick it out and actually already feel better. I think I just felt a bit homesick for familiarity.

I remember joining a company and very much looking forward to a new role, incl better salary and benefits and an easier commute. However, I was pretty much shunned by the other assistants in the team for around six months - including someone I'd worked and been friends with in a previous job.

During that time I found out that several of them had applied for the job which I'd been offered. It was incredibly lonely and challenging.

Fortunately there were other admin people outside my team who took me under their wing and helped me settle in and I'm glad I stayed (for years until another larger company bought our section) as that job proved to be one of the best jobs I ever had.

Don't give up yet OP. At four weeks in you're still very much finding your feet. Speak to your line manager about getting proper induction/training plus a peer mentor to help settle you in. 🌹