Discussion on:

How to go back to your old job when the new one doesn't fit

I once left a job I enjoyed for one that would pay more and where I would learn some new things. Although it was a good move, I never felt completely in place or in sync there. I did learn a few new things and the extra pay was great, but many times I thought about how I would like to go back to my previous employer.

Because I left the previous employer in good standing I was in touch with my former boss there. When a position came open that I could fill (mostly because of the new things I learned at the new job) I jumped on the opportunity to leave and go back to my previous employer. It was a great move and I am happier for it.

Whenever possible do not burn the bridge(s) that exists between you and your previous employer. You never know if you'll want to go back or if it's even possible.

I took a promotion and moved to another office within local government. Within the first 3 months I knew I made a mistake, and I hated it! I called my former boss and found out that they had not filled my position. She was more than happy to take me back, so I voluntarily demoted and went back to my previous position. I'm much happier. The problem I have is how to word the 'voluntary demotion' on my resume. I've always believed there's more to life than money, and that was very true in this instance.

How do you reconcile letting people down who were counting on you to get the job done? Six months ago I left a job I enjoyed for one that paid more and had better security - but I'm not happy. I have problems with my immediate supervisor that appear to be irreconcilable. However, my third level supervisor is wonderful and has faith in me to overcome whatever difficulties I have to in order to make this work. He has been very supportive but he cannot remove my immediate supervisor from the equation. I have been in contact with my old company and it is likely that I will have a job offer from them in the next few weeks. If I take it, I will feel like a quitter. But if I stay, I will hate coming to work each day. I've never had to make this kind of choice before so I would appreciate whatever advice you smart folks can offer.

It really sounds as if you've made a decision - you've contacted your old company, you expect a job offer, you are unhappy where you are, irreconcilable differences with your direct supervisor. Case closed.

Ending a *business* relationship like that is not quitting, especially if you've tried to reconcile the job/supervisor with supervisors up the line, and tried to make a go of it currently. It is cutting losses in a position that doesn't fit and getting on with your life. Sometimes "Good-bye" is the best response.

Good luck!

First, pat yourself on the back. You have a job in this rough economy AND you have other alternatives. Recognize that you are in a good situation and be grateful! Life is too short to be bitter and angry.

However, you may want to stick it out at the new job. You left 6 months ago and I doubt major changes have happened at your old place of employment. Think carefully before going back. Is it a good career move with room to grow? Is it stable?

And for your current job:
Can you get away from your immediate supervisor in 6 months? A year?

Does the pay increase make it worthwhile?

If you decide to leave, try to give your company a 1 month notice. 2 weeks is customary and professional; 1 month sends the message that you don't want to leave them in a bind. This will still create difficulties for them -but the same thing would happen if you got hit by a bus.

And, if your old company is flexible, you could give them a start date 2 months away. Then you work a month, take a well-deserved month off, and come to your new/old job refreshed!

I left a job,and moved to a new but in my new job I never felt at place, after 6 months I contacted my previous boss, they agreed to hire me back, But then I tried for a new job at the same place, I got it.
But Now I relaised, it was a mistake.
I am still feeling out of place.
Should I try again?

If you want to ever go back to a company after departing - you better have dotted your eyes and crossed you T's when you departed.

They put a nice little thing on your employement file - DRH - "Don't Rehire" - you burn a bridge when exiting or during your exit interview - well that door is locked to you for ever returning ...

So becareful when departing if you want to come back..

If one person says "I am quitting this job because my boss is a jerk" then that person is labeled as a malcontent and is ignored. If twenty people say it on their way out the door then Mr. Jerk is usually quitely removed by upper management.

There is an epidemic of bad managers in IT and it will never improve as long as we "don't burn our bridges". I say dump the gasoline on that bridge and light it up, the people who have to continue to work there will thank you for saying what needed to be said.

Your most important asset in finding employment is the relationships you develop with your current and past coworkers. They are the ones you need to be considerate of, not some jackass that used to be your manager.

First, I wouldn't burn the bridge. Even if the company can't see their own bad managers, why put yourself at risk to do the company a favor? That doesn't make sense. If it takes 20 exits to wake management up, why waste your efforts? Sounds like a losing situation both ways.

As for give54's dilemma, if you feel strongly about going back and it looks like it will work, do it. Too often, we pass up opportunities (or chances to fix our mistakes) because we're afraid of taking action. Either conciously decide to leave or stay--don't decide to stay because you don't want to decide or are afraid to act.

Godspeed.

It's very likely the company DOES know Mr. Jerk is a bad "people person." They may also feel that he gets the results THEY want and his deficiencies either aren't important or they help him succeed. Companies do not operate to make employees happy -- they depend on making money for their investors, and his being Mr. Nice Guy may not do that for them. Pouring on the gasoline and lighting it also does not make moeny for them, so they see you as poisonous.

RE: It's very likely the company DOES know Mr. Jerk is a bad "people person." They may also feel that he gets the results THEY want and his deficiencies either aren't important or they help him succeed. Companies do not operate to make employees happy -- they depend on making money for their investors, and his being Mr. Nice Guy may not do that for them. Pouring on the gasoline and lighting it also does not make moeny for them, so they see you as poisonous.

While, having a boss who expects high quality and timely work is expected. A boss who is a jerk about it and placed their workers in high stress situations is not best for all around. I've had all kinds of bosses in my career, the worst was the micromanaging in your face bullying jerk. I am much more productive with bosses who have a more graceful style.

Never listen to 'friends' who discourage you from doing the right thing. I left a job I was quite happy at back in year 2006. It was a very stressful job though but I like the culture and people there. My ex-boss, and even his bosses wanted me to stay. The new job was too good to be true and it turned out it was really a con-man boss putting me under his small self owned company. i wanted to return and 'discussed' this with an ex-colleague. He discouraged me becasue it doesn't seem 'nice'. I felt embarrassed too for wantign to leave then wanting to go back . So I didnt ask to go back when I still had good relationship with my boss. He left too after some time. I feel irrelavant to that company now as I had progressed on to other roles and field. i was never as happy since that job.

Your site is very useful for me. Thanks for sharing.

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