Stay or go to new role in old company?

[StamfordBridget]

I have been in my current role for 2.5 years.

I left my previous role as I had been there for 9 years, was ready for a change and was only enjoying 10% of what I did (but really loved that 10%).

Current role pays very well (more than previous role), has great flexibility and work/life balance and nice people. However I am probably only doing about 5% of the thing I really love - the rest is ok but I’m getting quite bored and feel as though I’m not learning a great deal. My levels of engagement are really slipping and I’m struggling with motivation.

I have been approached about a new role at old company which would be doing 100% of the thing that I love. Pay is likely to be slightly less (much smaller company) but I am very tempted. I know it and the people well and already know I am a good fit from previous experience. I need to make a decision quite soon. I could probably talk to my current employer about trying to get more exposure to the work that I love but due to the way the company is structured this is not likely to be straightforward.

Has anyone been in a similar position in terms of going back to an old employer? Any advice/lessons learned?

Sounds like the job is perfect for you. Before accepting, remember why you left there. Is it really feasible that the current place could offer you 100% doing what you love?

Thank you @Eddielizzard - the whole division has undergone massive change since I left meaning that the stuff I wasn’t enjoying is now being done by another team, so the scope of the role is a lot narrower. There are definitely things that were not perfect about old company, but they don’t seem to be enough to dissuade me. I am worried about what current company will think and whether it will be seen as a “step backwards”.

IMO I wouldn't think it's a backward step. As you say it's a very different company, with a more clearly defined role. Sounds great!

Can you isolate what is stopping you accepting today? Is it the lower salary?

@Eddielizzard I think the lower salary was a factor (and has contributed to the “step backwards” feeling). However yesterday old company (amazingly) confirmed they can offer slightly more than what I am on now (which I was not expecting at all) so I think that has been the final prompt that I need! It will be a little strange going back but hopefully in a good way and I know I will settle quickly. Thank you for listening! 😊