Colleague wants her job back

[PrincessHoneysuckle]

I started with a new employer two years ago and got promoted to my dream position a year ago.
I get on brilliantly with my team and im loving it.
The only fly in the ointment is that the person who used to do my job is on the team in a role with more responsibility and she hates it,finds it hard and stressful and wishes she'd never applied.
She actually told me yesterday that she wants her old job back and could we swap if allowed?
This is putting me in an awkward position as im sympathetic towards the fact that shes regretting her decision but at the same time this is MY job we're talking about.
AIBU to think for the love of God tell other people this if you need to vent not me.

No way
Full sentence and the real only answer.

Well would it be a promotion to her job and is she even in a position to offer it to you?

Just tell her no, you are enjoying your role and you’re happy.

She can apply for any other roles that come up or leave the company.

Similar money with a fuck ton more responsibility

If you're not interested in her job then say no. If she mentions it again then offer your sympathies that her new role isn't working out (if you feel generous) but be firm that switching is not an option.

Of course she can’t just have her job back, she moved on and was replaced. I would have a chat with HR and just let them know this is happening and is making you uncomfortable.

How can that be?
What an irresponsible employer.

You need to nip this in the bud. Have a word with your manager and say that you are not on board if this proposal is made

talk to your manager and say you’re not on board with it and your enjoying your role. If she asks say the same thing.

Absolutely not. It's not your problem to solve.

You can’t just ‘swap a job’ it doesn’t work like that. You are under no obligation to. And this is just breakroom talk, the higher ups probably have no involvement in this proposal.

She cannot just swap back?! Just say no or smile and say nothing. Once something similar happened at my last work place. The guy hated his promotion as it became office/ paper based when he used to teach adults with learning difficulties. They allowed him to go back to his old role and moved the other person elsewhere, apparently they could do this as the new person was on probation. Just say no and continue to do a good job. I’m pretty sure that’s not really allowed but he was highly thought of by the management team.

Yeah i know.Shes just probably seeing if id be up for it.

People can't just swap jobs?? She's barmy.

If she's unhappy in her role, then she needs to raise with management

Unless this is something you'd actually like, you just need to side eye her, laugh and say something like "Yeah, right!" then loudly tell a colleague
"You'll never guess what X suggested!"

No no a thousand times no

I agree, she's using you to try and build a case for taking your job. Do not allow this person to manipulate you. Be polite but say "no" very, very clearly, and leave absolutely no room for misinterpretation.

“Oh that’s a shame you’re not enjoying it. I’m not interested in moving though”.

end of story and if she raises it again tell your manager she is hassling you

Just be clear and say no from the start, don’t give her chance to get in the bosses ear about it

What sort of environment do you work in ? that is going to make all the difference

nail salon
hair salon
school
college
governmental offices
car sales
retail
marketing
digital marketing

endless possibilities, how can we possibly say without knowing

I would be making it clear to my manager that I had no interest in this. Just in case it’s being presented anywhere as something you’re both happy to do.

Absolutely say no! She's barmy if she thinks that it is reasonable to ask you to swap jobs.

Presumably it’s not your decision to swap though?

Id be very canny with what I say to her: oh I enjoy my current role, as you know it’s a great job, yes I’ll be discussing promotion and next steps with management when I’m ready for that..

Id also be canny with management: Mary has asked me to trade roles with her. I’m thinking about promotion (now, in 1-2 years when dc are doing xyz) and am eager to progress here. Though given the struggles she’s had, I have to wonder if thats a good mandate and what that might look like…

You mustn’t let her tell the tale, as in it you’ll either be presented as more open to it, or unambitious (which isn’t a good look). Nice opportunity to have a soft discussion about career opportunity and salary bump without it being foisted on you, IMO

It's been a year, she needs to get over it or find a new job that's available. Your role is not available and it's therefore nothing to do with you.