Bully store manager gone - colleagues want me back

[Notyouthful]

Left my job in November as got bullied by the store manager. His behaviour was 95% why I left . Got fed up of crying about work. Raised a grievance which did nothing. Heard from a few former colleagues that he has been demoted back to his previous managerial role. It was all sudden. No one knows why.

Every colleague wants me back. Though I am not so sure if I am comfortable going back there. Love my colleagues, its a few horrible customers that I can't stand. No jobs available on the employer's website. If I am wanted back, I am asking not to do as many hours - probably knocking off a day and a couple of hours. Had no job since then and been to about 10 interviews/assessments in that time.

Any advice please?

The problem is that your previous workplace did nothing when you complained about the bullying store manager. I am not sure I'd want to go back to a company like that. Plus you don't like some of the customers. I don't think I would go back, OP. However why don't you start inviting out your nice colleagues? Or maybe meet them for coffee or have them around to your place for dinner?

I think the first thing you need to do is reach out and see if there is a job available at all. If there isn't then you do not need to take up the headspace worrying about what to do.

You've jumped the gun.

Contact them and see if they'll have you back.

No point in wasting mental energy until you've done this.

Colleagues want you back but is there a job offer attached?

If there is, then I'd consider taking them up on it if you feel it wouldn't be detrimental to mental health. Looking for a new job is easier when you have a job. Take it, continue looking for others. If you go back and love it amazing. If not then it's a source of income while you're looking.

But what I think is actually happening is they're all going oh he's left OP could come back when there is no job even open.

Same thing happened to me, I did have a moment of 'do I' then decided that those same colleagues didn't put their heads above the parapet for me either, so I moved on..Life is different, but actually better, I have a much better work/ life balance now. Unless you are approached by management, I wouldn't go there. It's the companies loss, 15 yrs of experience lost to them...idiots.