Old boss wants me back...what to do!

[itsnotallrainbows]

I left my previous employer because of different reasons but the main reason was money and I felt like I was the only person working and my colleague was doing bare minimum and being praised.
I got a new job in similar field, more money etc. I am enjoying it but struggling with the lack of procedures and processes and they are a little old fashioned/not up to date with technology.
I have the potential for growth and they want me to help them make the company better.
Today, my old employer asked to meet for a coffee, and said they want me back. They have offered more money and more appreciation.
Something didn't add up, so after some digging I found out that morning, my ex colleague dropped all his belongings off and disappeared.
Are they just reaching out to me because they are desperate? I don't know what to do, I loved my previous job and I was bloody good at it! Or do I stick to this new employer who also appreciates me 😭

Why were they praising the person who's now left? That is really bad behaviour on their part. Was it one person who was doing this or a group of them?

They tend to have favourites each time and it goes to person to person. A bit of a toxic environment. But when I left, they realised how little this person was doing and I am guessing applied the pressure, hence them leaving so apbrutly

You left for a reason, I wouldn't go back

I don't think I would go back in these circumstances, especially since your former manager hasn't even been honest with you and acknowledged the real reasons for the request. They could have said 'it's come to light just how much work you were doing' - they don't have to slag off the slacker directly. It sounds like you'd be going back to a toxic culture. It sounds like you have respect and influence in your new workplace and could implement improved systems.

Don't go back.

Don't go back. Just because you were good at a job doesn't make it good for you. It sounds like there's lots of room for real growth at the new job - which in the long run is likely going to be more meaningful to you and better for your long-term career.

No don't go back. Theres been no culture change and you left for a reason. It sounds like the new job stuff can be worked through and if not there's always a new employer

Thank you everyone, I am going to stay where I am. The lack of honesty for reaching out says it all to me.

Why on earth would you consider going back to a toxic environment where you were underappreciated and underpaid? 100% I would stay in the new job.

That both employers now appreciate you shows that you're good at what you do. Don't let lack of confidence drag you back to an unsuitable workplace.