The past always seems happier than the present — and, in many cases, than it actually was. When it comes to jobs we previously had, however, extremes often rule: thinking of them as the good old days or trying to block the overall experience and move on. In the meantime, co-workers likely will remember previous co-workers for their characters in terms of reliability, friendliness and courtesy more than anything else.
Both sides’ visions are often different, however, if an old workplace proposes itself as a new employment option. In other words, if a person — employed or not — is considering a job with an old employer, co-workers’ reaction and the person’s perception may get a sudden shot of reality on how the old relationship used to be and how it can be rekindled.
That is why in making the decision to whether to go back to a known territory or not, there are many factors that come into play on both the employer and the job candidate ends. This ranges from your openness and ability to reintegrate into the old-new environment, and to comply with policies and procedures that may have been changed in between to building mutual acceptance of the new roles played by your previous co-workers — as well as yourself.
Here are a few points to consider if you think of returning to an old employer:
Changes: No one knows what is going on in a workplace better than an insider. If you’ve been away from an office life for years, don’t take it for granted that things have been the same as they were when you left. You need to reconsider the place as a new place to know what you’re getting yourself into. Remember, the past few years have been economically challenging for businesses almost everywhere which has led to changes both in terms of staffing and resources and forced a change in business practices. You may, however, have an advantage in having some insider connections that can help give you a realistic picture of how things are going there. Be cautious, however, not to fall in the circle of office politics prematurely.
Lack of changes: Despite all of the changes that could have happened, there could be a sense of disappointment if you find yourself doing more or less the same job that you used to do years ago — not only because it seems to be a step backward professionally but because you miss the excitement and challenge of taking a new job. That is why if you’re returning to a previous employer — and you have the luxury of choice. Consider a different position or even just taking on a different project. This can be the best scenario as you get the benefit of the extra insider knowledge along with taking on a new challenge.
Musical chairs: Where you’ll fall on a corporate hierarchy may not matter to you too much when you accept a job offer in a new place. This is not necessarily the case when you find a person you previously deemed incompetent has jumped up the ladder and may be your boss. Regardless of whether your judgment was fair or not, it is a point that is worth noting to ensure that you will be able to deal with the new structure or not.
Back versus out: Going back to a previous employer can be for a various reasons: It is the only option on the table or, in other words, it is the only option for being employed at the moment. Another reason is to be headhunted for a bigger and better position; or perhaps the employer is expanding the area of speciality you developed before and, therefore, thinks you’re the best person to lead the project. Whatever the reason, make sure the reasons on both sides are realistic and doable. There certainly are a few factors that turn into problems in bouncing out and back into a workplace, and that is why you need to be sure that your decision well calculated to avoid a quick exit that can burn bridges.
Company policies: It is almost standard that if you resigned and returned that you’ll be considered a new hire. This may mean a probation period, less benefits and seniority compared to where you were at the time you left. Speak openly with the human resources representative on your eligibility for different benefits and perks. You may be surprised that some of these may be negotiable if raised well ahead and documented in your contract.
Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is currently a journalist based in Seattle.
