My old department ( from 9 years ago) wants me to join them again… i am mulling over whether i want to return.

Anonymous

April 13,2022 at 4:56PM UTC

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My old department ( from 9 years ago) wants me to join them again… i am mulling over whether i want to return. It's tough because i really liked the team!

My current situation is I am unemployed since July 2021. My last role in the same organization - different department - wasn’t a good fit. Unfortunately i tried to make it work for clise to 3 years and that situation slowly undermined my trust in myself and skills.

( lack of role clarity, micromanaging manager which made me feel without control on how i was progressing on projects + several team conflicts that i mediated in my role as operations leader in that role were some of the factors that caused me immense stress)

In hindsight, I can see that I learned a lot from this experience.l work hard to keeping a positive growth mindset while approaching next roles.

Since Aug 2021, I had some several interviews (10+) as well as numerous informational meetings to find my next path.

I've used this time to volunteer helping a nonprofit with people with disabilities, plus read a slew of books like Essentialism by Mckeown and authors like Brene Brown, Kristin Neff etc

Unfortunately I’ve had yet to secure an offer despite several interview rounds.

i am a verbal processor and tend to over talk, in particular when nervous.

I keep practicing my interview skills with a mentor.

Long way around the barn to say that I am contemplating going back to that old role, which would be a bit different since they are asking me to rebuild the program I used to manage.

I have made lists to help me decide, checked in with my values, journal a bit about it.

Concerning the role that I held 9 years ago...I understand that the department has changed and while the leadership is similar, the team in that dept. is different and probably not match my memories.

I am a tad overqualified for this role, and the item that sticks the most is that salary will not be very high - they have already alluded to this. Although we didn't discuss actual numbers.

The leadership asked me if this wouldn't feel like taking 'a step back'

I liked certain aspects of that role and did it really well.

I think strong supportive relationships is important in the workplace and I would have that there.

I typed this to help me process and trust this community's support.

Anyone been in my situation in their career?

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KristinApril 13,2022 at 6:14PM UTC
Do it on contract, not payroll. You set the pay you require. You set the boundaries about what you are and aren't willing to do/what is in/out of scope. You won't have to deal with micromanaging. And you'll gain a lot of confidence. Plus, it'll be time-bound. If you find you're enjoying working with that team and company again, you can start a conversation about coming in-house again. If you're not enjoying it, you finish the project and move on. Just remember that your contract rate has to be at least 3x the hourly rate you'd expect if you were on payroll. And set that rate at what YOU want to make, not what they want to pay. What were you making in your last job if calculated hourly? Times that by 3 and offer to do a set amount of work to build the department back up. Make sure you get paid for that scoping time - it's going to be a lot of work. You've got nothing to lose if you're not currently working or collecting unemployment
AnonymousApril 14,2022 at 4:06AM UTC
Thanks! I considered the contract option
they are a public institution bound by certain policies.
AnonymousApril 13,2022 at 6:19PM UTC
I'm curious what you decide. I've never gone back to a former employer; but have seen so many people be successful when they return. When I've left a job or company there have been reasons that do not go away.
I really hope this job and company are a good fit for you again. Good luck!
AnonymousApril 14,2022 at 4:04AM UTC
Thank you!
great reminder about the things that do not go away
Alexis GladstoneApril 18,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
If your pro/con list isn't helping I'm not sure what any of us might say that points you in one direction or the other.
Sometimes we take a step back due to circumstances so that we can set ourselves up to move forward. If having a job, despite the less than desirable salary, is the most important thing, I personally would consider it. Plus I agree with you about strong relationships. Here are some questions you may or may/not have thought about:
Will leadership help you work on securing your next role once you accomplish what they hire you back to do? Will rebuilding the program add something new to your resume? Are there any aspects of this role that are different and will give you new skills?
Hope some of this helps.