Do I apply for my old job?

[Happyfeet82]

At the end of last year, I finished a contract role that I genuinely enjoyed. The contract came to a natural end, and afterward, I took some time to travel. Now that I’m back and job-hunting again, I reached out to my former employer (whom I left on good terms with) to express interest in a new role I saw advertised at their company and to ask if there were any other openings I might be a good fit for.
They responded promptly, were very friendly, and said they’d let me know ASAP. That was about a week ago, and I haven’t heard anything since. I just saw my exact former role (the one I really liked) posted on Indeed. It wasn’t there when I first emailed them.

On one hand, I want to apply because I loved the role and did well in it. On the other hand, I can’t help but think… if they wanted me back, wouldn’t they have mentioned it when I reached out? Would it be awkward or presumptuous to apply anyway? Or is this normal, and I’m overthinking it?

I've got the application ready to apply, but second guessing! anyone?

Quite honestly, I can't understand why you wouldn't apply. Its a job you like and you know you can do. Apply.

Apply! You’ve got nothing to lose 😊

Apply. The worst that can happen is you don't get it, but nothing lost by trying.

What have you got to lose? What’s the worst that could happen? They say no! If they do, you pick yourself back up and apply for something else. On the other hand you might get the job! Feel the fear and do it anyway. Submit that job application and show them that you’re keen.

Well you won't get the job if you don't apply! Seriously I remember years ago there being research into the differences between men and women applying for promotion. Women gave up ( thinking they obviously just weren't good enough if they didn't get the first 2 or three they applied for. Men on the other hand kept applying, even up to 30 times! You have the advantage over other applicants if you did well and they know you. Surely they'll be expecting you to apply.

I would just get on with it and apply. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain (i.e. a job you like and know you can do!).

I think it's an amazing coincidence that this job has been advertised right after you mentioned you'd be interested in coming back. I'd take that as a hint and apply. There is every chance the manager simply forgot to contact you, or left a draft email sitting, or didn't even know the job advert was live yet. Or they might be on leave, or overstretched because other people are on leave. You have nothing to lose by applying so send it now, good luck!

Absolutely apply, you've nothing to lose. Honestly if you were even half way decent at the role and not a troublemaker then most companies would like to have you back as you're 10 steps ahead of someone coming in fresh. My company brings people back all the time

Apply! Wishing you the very best of luck!

Massively overthinking.
It's totally normal that comms are missed or messages not passed between people. There is almost certainly no way that it "means" anything that you haven't heard.

Apply - they will very likely be very pleased to hear from you.

Apply OP. You enjoyed working there so what have you got to lose. If you don't apply then you'll always wonder what would have happened if you did. Good luck.