Would love to hear some success stories on returning to a previous place of employment?

Anonymous

March 17,2022 at 1:16PM UTC

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Would love to hear some success stories on returning to another place of employment?

Long story short - I had worked in what I considered my dream job for 4 years and left last year (for another position within my company) for a variety of reasons, mostly being the direction my job was heading was not what I saw for my career trajectory and a toxic workplace. I did not leave on bad terms and actually are still friendly with many of the people there. Since I left, many of those who were creating a toxic culture have been fired or have left. The department is in the middle of what I would consider a rebuilding stage now.

Cut to now - a different position has come open in that same department, one that is more aligned with what I want to do. I feel as though this is a good step for me, but I'm having doubts on what the perception will be if I choose to return. The current department I'm in is considered the golden standard of the company, but I have never really felt useful or needed here, plus there is zero room for advancement as my supervisor is younger than me and has no interest in leaving.

I am open to any thoughts/advice on what I should consider before leaving, pros/cons, future ramifications. I know that's a lot to ask, but I need some outside perspective on whether this transition is a smart career move.

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Samantha HerrickMarch 17,2022 at 5:09PM UTC
I had a similar experience years back and deciding to return to my previous role/team was the best decision I've made for my career. I worked on an internal team in a financial planning firm and left to go work on a smaller team with one advisor. It was not a good fit and I had the humbling experience of calling my old boss and telling them how unhappy I was and that I'd like to come back if they would have me. I left on good terms and they made room for me on the team (it was a lateral move back to my old job and current pay). That was a little less than 4 years ago that I returned and in that time I was promoted to Director of the team I was running and recently (a month and a half ago) accepted another promotion at the Chief level in the company.
Go with your gut and be genuine and honest with them on why you're making these moves. It all works out how it's supposed to. Good Luck! :)
AnonymousMarch 17,2022 at 6:42PM UTC
This is exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. Thank you so much!
AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 5:29AM UTC
Go for it! You have nothing to lose by interviewing. If you do not receive an appropriate offer, no harm done. But if you do receive an excellent offer, why not return?
If you return, you can always say, with justification, that your former employer made it worth your while to return. That establishes that you are an excellent employee.