Should You Go Back To A Previous Employer?

Have you heard of a boomerang employee?  Someone who leaves a company, only to return months or years later?  It’s a trend that has become increasingly popular, with more employers offering rehire options to former employees.

Have you been told by previous managers as you were leaving, that you would always have a role within the company if you wanted to come back?  I have. 

If you’ve maintained positive relationships with former colleagues since leaving, making the transition back could be nice and smooth – many people return and things work out really well.  There are also cases where it’s a disaster.

So before making any decisions, here are a few things to consider:

Why did you leave the job and employer in the first place?

Did you leave on good terms?  Was it due to poor management or a toxic culture? Did you leave to pursue other opportunities or for personal reasons? 

Sometimes returning to a previous employer can present new opportunities for career growth and development, in the same way moving on can do. You may have gained new skills and experiences since leaving the company, positioning a win win for you and the employer.

Maintaining positive relationships and leaving a job on good terms is always advantageous.  The business world can be a small place – especially in a city like Canberra – so it’s worth remembering there’s always a chance that you could cross paths with former colleagues again.

Just remember to be realistic about why you left – and why you’re considering going back.

Should you return to a previous employer?

If you’ve revisited why you left in the first place and your relationships are still strong, going back could be a viable option.  

One factor to consider is the current job market.  If you’re struggling to find new job opportunities, returning to a former employer may be a good way to get back on your feet. However if the job market is strong and you have several options available to you, then pursuing new opportunities elsewhere may be the way to go. 

It’s also worth considering if the move could be seen as a step backwards in your career – are you choosing a known quantity for perceived safety and predictability over opportunity and professional growth?

Returning to a previous employer can be a daunting decision with benefits and drawbacks. When weighing your options, you may find a little outside support is what you need to find the right fit.

I’ve decided to go back. What now?

If you do decide to return following an outreach form your previous employer, take into consideration the points discussed above.

However if an offer hasn’t been made, it’s important to approach the situation carefully.  Here are some tips on how to do it successfully:

• Reach out to your former employer: Make a call or send an email to the most relevant person and express your interest. Ideally, ask them to meet in person to discuss your reasons for returning and the opportunity coming back presents
• Highlight your experience: Explain the experience you’ve gained since leaving the company, highlighting how you’ve continued to develop your skills.  Again, be sure to talk through how this will benefit the employer
• Be clear about your expectations: Clearly set out what you’re looking for in terms of responsibilities, salary, and benefits – ensure everyone is on the same page so there are no surprises
• Address any concerns: If there were any issues that led to you leaving, be prepared to address them. This could include discussing how those issues have been resolved or what steps have been taken to ensure they won’t be a problem in the future
• Stay positive: Throughout the process, it’s important to maintain a positive attitude. Even if your former employer ultimately decides not to bring you back, maintaining a positive relationship can open up opportunities down the line

Deciding whether or not to return to a former employer isn’t always easy. There are many factors at play and there’s always a chance it won’t work out the way you expected.  However if you do feel it’s the best decision for you, approach it thoughtfully and with a positive attitude!