to refuse to work with my backstabber colleague?

[bettysyourauntie]

A few months ago, I resigned from a senior role at a company, marking the end of a significant project where I played a key role in rescuing a client from a dire situation. I saw the project through to completion, delivering exceptional results. The firm profited greatly from my efforts and unique skills in the industry.
Despite the challenges which were many, I recognised the importance of this project and found satisfaction in many aspects of it. This kept me going as in the office, and outside of the day-to-day project tasks, I was very unhappy. I endured a toxic work culture and poor leadership devoid of people skills and emotional intelligence.

Just as I was on the verge of resigning, I was blindsided by a colleague I trusted and believed I had a strong working relationship with. We collaborated closely, and I felt he valued my leadership and judgment. I was his sounding board for navigating difficult situations, and we spent countless hours strategising together. Yet, he was the typical self-promoter, taking my ideas and presenting them as his own in front of the client. The particular incident was a betrayal. It was unprofessional, nasty, and utterly unexpected, leaving me hurt and confused.

In response, I decided to go on my own, launching a business in the sector and building on the reputation I earned from my last job. I became known as "the cleaner" - the go-to person for turning around difficult situations.

When I left, there were no efforts to retain me. It was clear I was angry and upset, but I also sensed their nervousness about the sudden drop in income as the highest fee-generating job in the firm came to a hard stop. My departure announcement was likely seen as a relief as my salary was on the upper end of the scale and so it was perhaps a good outcome all around. I must admit, that despite all this, I thought it was a bit strange and shortsighted but at the same time, they have not been known to bother with retention on other occasions so not surprising either.

Fast forward a few months, and my old boss suddenly called. He was all smiles and sweet talk, which immediately made me suspicious. As it turns out, a client is eager to engage the firm, but only if I am part of the team. They want to repeat the success of the other job they've heard much about. With the right CVs on the ticket, my old boss is confident they have secured the job and are likely to start in a couple of weeks.

Now, I'm facing a dilemma. Since starting my business, I've only secured small jobs. I have exciting and promising leads for more lucrative contracts in the near future and I have definitely managed so far to attract attention from the right people. If anything materialises work will not start for a few weeks still. Money is a bit tight, and I can't afford a long dry spell. But should I say yes just because the opportunity is there? I'd be working with the same colleague and I can't shake off the hurt.

The Pros: Immediate income (only 3 d/wk for min 1 year, which is also a negative as I will need to find a filler for the other two days to maintain a good level of income). I will be further strengthening my CV and position in the sector and working with this client may potentially open doors to future opportunities.

The Cons: It's a part-time contract. But mainly again - do I really want to work with someone who backstabbed me?

I wonder how different would it be as a contractor, an outsider, avoiding office politics and self-promoting colleagues. What are the real risks for me here?

So, am I being foolish or unreasonable to consider turning down the offer? If I say no, there’s a good chance they'll lose the opportunity. Sweet revenge, or am I just shooting myself in the foot?

Depends on how much you trust your previous employer, things might have changed for the worse since you left. They were not too fussed when you left to try and retain you.

I have seen it where once they have got your name on board to secure the project and got client signed up who knows what they will do to you. No one is indispensible.

Depends on what is in your contract of employment.

Just be wary that this business...

"Client needs a high PI insurance which I can't provide as a one man band, hence approaching a bigger and established company. "

Isn't this a fundamental issue? You set up, but how many other clients won't be able to approach you directly? So where is the workflow going to come from, now that you've set up on your own?

I'm really 50/ 50 on this op, and completely understand as something similar happened to me (toxic culture became untenable), except in my case the main two men were arrested for fraud and bribery (karma's a bitch, huh?)! I've sometimes thought about whether I'd go back as a contractor, and it would come down to the detail. Two toxic characters have gone, but I know that other misogynists remain there and I'd likely have to work closely with them.

Who wins if you turn down paying lucrative work? You or your old colleague? And if you turn it down, the old firm won't ask again. Do it, and realise it is to your advantage to leave the past feelings behind. The arrangement is different this time because you are a contractor. But increase your rate by 15% because it's urgent and they need you.

Make sure you price your role appropriately. Ask for a fee that will make it worth your while

Hmm it's a tough one. You are in a position of strength though. I would do it but under a few conditions that I would get in writing.

You are going as a subcontractor/external consultant and don't have to hide this fact or pretend that you still work for the company.

You are getting significantly more pay then when you worked there.

You have seniority or management over bs colleague.

You set up a system whereby all contributions to the project are recorded/controlled by you, if appropriate. I'm guessing bs colleague took credit for your work in some way? So there needs to be something in place to prevent this. I would have a conversation about why you left and how that was a major factor you want to avoid it this time. Perhaps some other person can be used as a go between instead of a lot of direct contact.

Then during the contract, I would document document document. Follow up any in person meeting with an email bulletin everything discussed and agreed. Try to limit one to one interactions. Minute meetings carefully etc.

I wouldn't go near this. Possibly worth considering if you can get the client to hire you directly as a consultant to oversee your old team, but to go back to your old firm as a contractor just leaves you more exposed to their toxicity.

Go for it.

Pick your team.

Charge consultancy rates.

I think take it.

You are in a very strong position. You negotiate a high fee for set hours then any additional work is invoiced at a high hourly rate.

You are to be involved in all client and high level meetings. You know the backstabbers MO now, work with it. Use him when useful but give him none of your ideas to present.

Use the contract to promote yourself and your new business. Forget looking pushy, you need to be better at self promotion and letting the world know you are available. 2 days per week to do this after you've negotiated your lovely high rate is more than enough time.

The company treated you badly, you allowed that until you left, have no qualms about using them right back!

It’s a business / money decision, so would set aside the baggage of the company and decide whether it makes sense for your new venture (or your plan B if your venture isn’t viable)

wouldn’t speak to the colleague about his behaviour, would just crack on and use the usual tactics with out for themselves types.

Honestly working as an external is a different world as along as you play the game. The money is a game changer too. Remember the Damart they paid you then remember that they have to add c30% onto that for NI, insurance, pension, holiday etc . So go for a high day rate. Take it or leave it.

You don't have to deal with internal corporate shit like appraisals, internal meetings and promotion, career progression stuff. So you don't care how blunt you are.

The only thing that matters is the client result. You can boldly say 'no I'm not doing that because it's not in the client interest'.

You can escalate without fear of repercussions. You don't care about them.

And yes, a straight talk with backstabber. 'I know what you did, you know what you did. I'm back here because the customer has asked for me. They know my skills and they can see right through you. If you ever pull tricks like that again I will expose it. Don't mess with me'. Smile sweetly and exit. He will be too stunned to speak, and don't let him.

@bettysyourauntie why dont you put a marketing email around all the businesses offering your new services as a self employed "fixer"??? blanket email them all. that way you are more likely to drum up your own business and perhaps the businesses will come to you directly rather than go to your ex employer. you have said that the client wants you on board! remember the old saying, familiarity breeds contempt! i wouldnt want to work with a person who had previously stabbed me in the back either! also, as a self employed contractor, you can name your price if you do want to do the work for your ex employer and then you wouldnt need to work another two days to bring to bring your earnings up!

Can you accept the role but as a contractor or external consultant so at a higher rate? The industry I work in regularly does this, but it can be handled under the table a bit, so sometimes a bit suspicious.
And regarding your colleague who fucked you over, you've learned that nobody at work is your friend, so go back with that mindset and get the job done. No more bouncing around ideas with this guy, and if necessary tell him why. Get in there, get the job done, and fuck off with the addition to your CV.

Does ex-boss know the story about backstabbing colleague?

I'd be tempted to tell him everything, and ask him to assure you that if you agree to get on board with this backstabbing colleague is told to strictly behave and not be a dick or pull the same shit again.

Absolutely this.

Going back to work with the same people and expecting anything to be different is madness. Plus you're closing yourself off to any new opportunities.

Does your old boss know what happened with him? If not I’d tell him and say you can’t work with him.

Boss in a company like that won’t care

I work in consultancy, been out on my own, worked for small firms and a few large ones too. My thinking is you've retained your reputation- your ex colleague wasn't selected for the job, the client wanted you. So you say yes, quote a nicely high fee rate, work to your deadlines and stay professional (but not friendly) with toxic ex colleague. Don't offer advice, sounding board etc beyond your terms of reference and do an excellent job.

You'll make some cash, demonstrate your skills, get a job done well and hold your head high.

Advertise in the right areas and you’ll get these clients coming to you.

This⬆️

And this!⬆️

What did the back stabbed actually do? It’s not at all clear from your post.

I’d not go back unless you can negotiate an exceptionally high fee.

I certainly wouldn’t try talking to the backstabbed about how he made you feel

This.
Forget everything but doing the best job. No pally pally, no shared confidences, no additional support. Just the job and then go home.

Negotiate yourself a bloody good deal though. They've admitted they need you.

If you do decide to go ahead I think the best situation for you would be to stand on equal footing as the company you previously worked for. This would mean that the company looking for your services engages you directly as well as the other company. There really is no need for a company that treated you badly to act as a go between for you. This way you are clearly marketing yourself separate to the company you used to work for.

I took would like to know what the backstabber actually did.