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Original poster

Voluntarily changed departments but want to change back

15 replies

hadenoughh · 11/06/2021 21:00

I volunteered to move to a new department. It's been awful when before I loved my job.

Do you think it would be possible to ask to move back to my old department? How would I go about this?

I was going to speak to either my new manager or my old manager but I knew that I would just burst into tears so put it off.

Is there anything I can do?

OP posts:
flowery · 11/06/2021 23:22

Yes of course it’s possible but you’re going to have to ask. Your old manager probably.

Is your old role still vacant?

Original poster
hadenoughh · 11/06/2021 23:26

@flowery

Yes of course it’s possible but you’re going to have to ask. Your old manager probably.

Is your old role still vacant?

They are short staffed so yes. My old manager always jokes that I can go back anytime.

It's just my new manager and old manager know each other as they are overlapping departments so I feel like it's awkward going behind my new manager's back. I'm not sure how to phrase it in a way that sounds professional. I'm also not sure whether to email or wait until Monday to speak in person.

It's only been a few days but I know I want to leave, it's just knowing whether to ask to leave now so they don't waste more time training me or waiting it out until an acceptable time.

OP posts:
SpeakingFranglais · 12/06/2021 09:45

Go see your old manager, say moving was a mistake and you really miss your old job, what are the chances of returning ASAP.

Take it from there, once accepted you can tell your new manage, if it hasn’t already been discussed.

Honestly there is no shame in this.

Original poster
hadenoughh · 12/06/2021 12:47

If it was a voluntarily move do you think it's reversible?

I'm worried that they will say no and it will make things 100x more awkward.

OP posts:
flowery · 12/06/2021 12:51

I can’t see that waiting longer will be helpful to anyone. Ask now.

The fact it’s a voluntary move doesn’t really make any difference as to how reversible it is- it’s entirely up to the employer. But if your old manager wants you back it seems unlikely they’d refuse.

Original poster
hadenoughh · 12/06/2021 13:56

I have another thread on Chat and someone said if they were my manager they would be appalled at me asking to move back so quickly. I don't know what to do.

OP posts:
B1984 · 12/06/2021 14:06

For your own sanity you have to ask or you might end up being very unhappy. There is nothing worse then getting up in the morning and facing the dread of the job that you don’t like. Your old/new manager will understand and so will your colleagues. Good luck!

Twistered · 12/06/2021 14:21

@hadenoughh

I have another thread on Chat and someone said if they were my manager they would be appalled at me asking to move back so quickly. I don't know what to do.
Who cares what that randomer thinks! Do what's right for you and if that means moving back then definitely ask and start setting those wheels in motion.
flowery · 12/06/2021 14:25

@hadenoughh

I have another thread on Chat and someone said if they were my manager they would be appalled at me asking to move back so quickly. I don't know what to do.
But your old manager clearly wouldn’t be “appalled” as they’ve already said you can come back. Your new one might be a bit miffed but does that matter?
couchparsnip · 12/06/2021 14:42

Honestly we can't know how your company works and whether or not a move back is possible. If there's a space then I don't see why not.

You should just own up to your old manager and say you made a mistake leaving and ask if the offer still open to come back?
Let them sort it out with your new manager. In a few weeks no one will remember you even moved jobs for a bit.

chocolateorangeinhaler · 12/06/2021 14:45

Bad idea to go back. It's never the same and if there are any promotions in the future you may get overlooked for being a bit flaky.
Reflect, reflect, reflect. Try to eork out what was good in your old department and what isn't great about this department. See what solutions you can come up with. Is it a people or process problem? Treat it as an opportunity to learn new info about how different departments work and if you can suggest changes to new department. It will show that you are not just being whiny and needy.
Sorry to sound blunt but I'd take the old boss saying "I'll have you back anytime" with a pinch of salt. If that's true why agree to let you go in the first place.

SuddenArborealStop · 12/06/2021 15:01

This is your first job and I think you were very lucky in the first department that everything worked well for you and the way you operate.
It's only been a couple of days which is why that poster said she'd be appalled because there's really no way you've given it a fair go. There's always a settling in period with new jobs and learning new ropes.
Now she doesn't actually know you, your job or your bosses so she's speaking from her experience. You know the details so it's your choice to make.
If it's really intolerable the best thing to do is try to resolve the issues with your new manager to show willingness to try. If that doesn't work I would have casually mentioned to old boss in the meantime that you're really missing the team.
I know they're friends but maybe that will help you , maybe old boss might encourage new boss to look out for you a bit more.

AbsolutelyPatsy · 12/06/2021 15:04

i always think it takes 6 weeks to settle in to a new job

Butterfly44 · 12/06/2021 15:42

Is this a temporary move where you will move back anyway into your old role? Have they got someone filling in your old role already?

sadmummy12345 · 12/06/2021 15:46

F

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