Going back to old employer, should I?

[OhBotherSaidPoo]

10 years ago I left a job I loved and was very good at.

A select few colleagues ganged up and made some very serious allegations to HR about my conduct. Resulting in me being suspended for 17 weeks, losing out on job opportunities and enduring extreme stress. I was eventually cleared of the allegations, and returned to work with no action taken against those that made the malicious allegations. I decided I could not continue to work there and left, ending up in the place I am in now.
I don't dislike my job, it pays the bills, but it doesn't fill my cup so to speak.

Last night I saw an opening at my previous employer, working in a different team, under the same manager as before (who I got on fabulously well with and knew that the allegations were a crock of shit), and am very tempted to apply.

I know for sure 2 of 3 co-conspirators have moved on, I don't know if the last one has. It would be a promotion, more money, and I would be able to apply the skills I have developed in my current role to the new role.

Question is, should I.

I'm worried, despite it being so long ago, and the allegations against me being disproved, it would reflect poorly on me in some way.

Any advice?

Promotion, more money, supportive manager - what's to lose? Go for it!

How many people are still there after 10 years that are going to know or care what went on in the past?

If there are any managers on this forum, can you explain how you would view this please.

Ask for an informal conversation with the hiring manager. No one on here can tell you how much people remember or give credence to something that happened a decade ago. Call and ask and be open.

Your previous manager and the whole organisation sounds absolutely appalling, why on earth would you want to work for them again?

Has there been a whole culture change since you left?

Never go back

I’m a senior manager. Head of level. I have both hired leavers back and been hired back to a company I left.

I’d been away 10 years, too. I hadn’t left under difficult circumstances though.

I would go for it. The world and people have moved on.

Just don’t expect it to be the same place you remember. After 10 years the culture could be radically different.

I went back, though didn’t leave under the same circumstances you did. It was fine, but I only stuck it out for just over a year as the work was boring! If you think it’s a role that will excite you then go for it. Agree with speaking to the hiring manager first

Thanks all,

I have decided I will go for it.

And thanks to the person who suggested a call with the old manager, I've emailed and requested a chat. The deadline is very soon however so doubt it will happen before then, I just need to crack on with it this evening.

If you don’t try, you definitely won’t get it. You always have the option to not accept if you do get an offer. If you do get an interview, just try to be aware of the vibe of the place - lot can change in so many years.
good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Thank you.

Think this poster is absolutely right.

Woukd be helpful if you abd the other poster said why.

I’ve gone back to a previous employer after a two year break with another company.

Best thing I’ve done. I got a pay rise, better Ts&Cs, very relaxed hybrid working, friendly staff, and a 15 minute commute rather than 90+ minutes and I’m doing the kind of work I thought I’d get at the new place but which never materialised.

I was welcomed back with open arms.