Going back to an old job

[helenahhandbasket]

Well... just like it says.

Last fall I left a job that I loved- was happy with the work load, my coworkers, the flex time- because I had a really shitty boss.  It's a long story, as smart as she is, she was just not good at managing people and it wound up making my job unbearable.  

I got a new job in a different industry (though the industry is adjacent to my old one-- in fact my old company is a customer of my new company).  More $$, but I am having a pretty hard time adjusting.  I am finding the work load unmanageable (we are down 2 people on my team) and I also find my boss to not be respectful of my (not just mine-- everyone's) personal time.  Scheduling meetings really early or really late, or during a typical lunch time. Lots of alarming unprofessional behavior, including talking badly about a coworkers appearance.  There is more, but I don't want to bog down this post.

Although my boss sucked, I was really professional and left on good terms.  I see an opening back at the old company that I am interested in-- a similar job to my old one but in a different division, so I would not have to talk to/ work with old boss, so this is appealing to me.  I know others have left and come back to this company, so there is a precedent.  It's a very large company, so I would have to go through the proper channels (applying on the website, etc).

I was just wondering if anyone has successfully navigated this before?  What was the out come?  Am I nuts?

[2chatter]

People come and go at my very large employer. It’s pretty normal. As with all of these things - apply, interview, then decide is my advice. Good luck!

[mae0111]

This happened all the time at my old company. Many people left because it was the only way to get a pay increase, and they'd come back a few years later because their new company had the same lousy compensation policy.

If they totally cleared out senior management and brought back some of my former favorites, I'd consider going back to my old company.

[rere]

I went back to my job after a brief SAH period. My old job was open so I didn't have to reapply.

I would say you have an advantage because you are familiar with the company and like their policies, so some of the unknown is gone. Plus, you are away from the old boss, which is the reason you left.

[shakinros]

I’d do it. Good luck!

[xctsclrx]

I don't think it can hurt you. People do that at my job all the time. It is a little different environment, but no one judges anyone for it.

[sweetptater]

It can't hurt! Good luck!

[covergirl82]

I've done it. I left because of a bad boss (department director) - she was a micro-manager and would throw you under the bus/stab you in the back. I had left for a contract-to-hire job closer to home, but I was not treated like an independent contractor (I was treated like an employee in all ways except in title and lack of employee programs/benefits) and the boss there was no better and the culture was awful. My job was still open about 2 months into me being gone, so I contacted my old manager (I did like working for her, it was the director who was terrible) and I ended up going back to my old job. It was awkward the first couple months, but after that it was fine and I'm glad I ended up going back.

[helenahhandbasket]

Thanks Ladies-- I sent in the application last night. We will see what happens!

[waverly]

Fingers crossed.