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Anonymous

May 17,2023 at 1:00PM UTC

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Hello! I need some advice and opinions on whether I am making a rash decision. This is long so sorry in advance!

My first job out of college was great, everything you could want - amazing manager, challenging work, great coworkers, etc. I left because it had been made clear that further growth was not possible (I had been promoted 3x there though!). They were not able to promote me past other employees who were there longer and being young in my career I wanted to grow.

Now I am working at a well known company, good benefits, but the other things that are important to me are missing. **I've only been here for about 9 months.** My supervisor has zero experience in my field, has never been a manager before, and (to be honest) has no clue how to manage anything. The work is not challenging at all. While some may find this job exciting (I get access to exclusive events, behind the scenes, etc), I'm bored almost every day. I find myself feeling negative towards myself because I am not being used to my full potential. Also, this job has me travelling a LOT. For example, this month I am on the road the entire month. When my boss travels he doesn't take any comp time, so he doesn't encourage me to either. This leads me to working 30+ days in a row with no breaks. It's wearing on my mental health, personal health, and relationships.

I mentioned to my friend, who still works at that first job, that if a position ever opened there I would apply in a heart beat. She mentioned that to my old manager there, who is now the department head, and he is looking to create a position for me and match my current salary. He wants to grab lunch and discuss my departure because he was very upset when I left. But overall, it seems like he wants me if he already went ahead and did all of this work in response to a casual interest.

I would LOVE to take this job if it works out. Is it a rash decision? Will it look bad that I've only worked at my current job less than a year?

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AnonymousMay 17,2023 at 1:06PM UTC
If they want you back, you want to go back, the salary works, and you are happier and healthier…go back. Not a rash decision at all.
Kelly LeVoyerMay 17,2023 at 1:12PM UTC
Agree. And don’t worry about the 9 month job on your resume, I’ve hired many people and it’s very common these days. As long as you have an explanation and are honest about it, it’s not a big deal. Do what’s right for you. This time, though, be clear about your career goals and take the initiative to track and share your progress towards them. But also don’t be unrealistic — many people entering the workforce today expect to be promoted faster than previous generations (often their managers) think they’re ready. Look at the job level description of the next level you’re targeting and literally track your progress against that.
AnonymousMay 17,2023 at 2:15PM UTC
The good news is the position he is creating is the top of my field pretty much so I wouldn't want to be promoted for a very long time. Before, I really wanted management experience and I wasn't going to get that there if I stayed at that time.
Mary WehrleMay 17,2023 at 1:20PM UTC
If you had asked me before you left that other job, I would have suggested to wait a year before you decide to leave.
In any company large enough to have shifting roles, people come and go. A possibility could open up.
Now there is a possibility and you should absolutely go for it. Because you know it's going to be a good fit for you, you will most likely stay for a long period of time.
A lot of people leave because they have gone as far as they could only to return a short time later because they were unhappy at the new job. Just go for it. You are the only person that is going to take care of you. Your health and wellbeing long term has to be your number one priority and your current job isn't going to help you live a long enjoyable life.
Barbara ThompsonMay 17,2023 at 1:36PM UTC
Sounds like you know what you will do, but I did want to add one comment: it’s not solely up to your boss to protect your boundaries about hours and time off when you work in a job that stretches timelines.
AnonymousMay 17,2023 at 2:13PM UTC
Absolutely agree and it's something I'm trying to get better at for sure! It's just been frustrating to need to restate those boundaries every week.
AnonymousMay 17,2023 at 4:20PM UTC
Your heart already knows the answer!
Erica MitchellMay 17,2023 at 4:35PM UTC
As long as you don't regularly job hop, it won't make you look bad. You must do what's best for you! I hope everything works out the way you want it to!
AnonymousMay 18,2023 at 11:33AM UTC
You won't know unless you give it a try. There are habitual job hoppers that seem to get an itch 1-2 years in. Just make it a goal to NOT be that. That's on you if you don't take comp time if that's a part of the offer at your current position. Be an individual and set boundaries. good luck
AnonymousMay 18,2023 at 12:05PM UTC
Look rash? It's the safest decision that you could make. It's a job you know and love and might even present a bit of growth.
AnonymousMay 18,2023 at 12:49PM UTC
GO! Your loyalty is to yourself. You seem like don’t like your current job - you are bored, having to travel too much with no comp time and your manager sounds inept. It is very easily explained that you took another job and it was not the right fit and your former company offered you a position. Definitely not a rash decision.
Mary PoolMay 18,2023 at 1:31PM UTC
Absolutely go for it! Being in a position where you are valued in a job you enjoy is a gift. Working for your current manager is not. Whenever a manager wants you to work for free, that is a red flag; You need to move on. Remember, it is easy, oh so easy, to burnout; it is challenging to recover.
Cindy AllenMay 18,2023 at 1:48PM UTC
This doesn’t seem like a rash decision.
9 months in a job gives you a pretty good view of the position, company and work. If you aren’t happy, and your old company where you were happy is willing to make a position for you it seems like a win-win scenario. One thing I’d be sure to discuss before you jump is to ask your old boss what has changed to allow your career growth now? But it sounds like a good move for you especially if you are bored and overworked from a time perspective.
Kristen SteinerMay 20,2023 at 2:25PM UTC
Supporting all comments to meet with your old manager and take the job. The near-term risk is low. I think you are referring to the long-term risk of having a 9-month blip on your resume; "Will it look bad..." The old rule of two-years min at a job hasn't applied since the pandemic, and it applies not at all to your generation. The explanation will be that your old company liked you so much they recruited you back -- net plus. Five to ten years down the line you can omit the 9-month nightmare from your resume and not have to discuss it at all. It's all good.
Kia HarrisMay 21,2023 at 1:58AM UTC
Agreed
Clydene HorriganMay 21,2023 at 2:16AM UTC
When you talk to your old boss, be honest about leaving due to growth opportunities. Then, when you discuss the new job, ask what the career path looks like from there.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachMay 25,2023 at 6:25PM UTC
No - go for it.