Going back to an ex-employer
Discussion
Yes, left a business due to lack of progression, returned a couple of years later after they had been bought out by a competitor, as there were more prospects and I'd enjoyed it first time round, but ultimately left for similar reasons.
Some years later, I worked for a larger business that bought the original business and I was appointed to manage the new acquisition.
If I've learned anything, it's always leave on good terms - you never know when you'll be working with somebody again!
I've also re-employed previous colleagues which can work well as long as you understand why they left originally and that is no longer an issue (and they were good at their job obviously!!).
Some years later, I worked for a larger business that bought the original business and I was appointed to manage the new acquisition.
If I've learned anything, it's always leave on good terms - you never know when you'll be working with somebody again!
I've also re-employed previous colleagues which can work well as long as you understand why they left originally and that is no longer an issue (and they were good at their job obviously!!).
In my career, I have left and then gone back to a company twice!
First time left company A to go to company B as I was offered a Sales Management role. Long story short, after 4 months the role was not as advertised and MD (not my direct report interfered) so luckily company A took me back as I had left on good terms.
18 months later after a sale to a US conglomerate company A decided to close my division down and make us all redundant. As the old MD of company B had left, and due to my good relationships within the industry, I was able to go to company B again, albeit in a standard sales role.
First time left company A to go to company B as I was offered a Sales Management role. Long story short, after 4 months the role was not as advertised and MD (not my direct report interfered) so luckily company A took me back as I had left on good terms.
18 months later after a sale to a US conglomerate company A decided to close my division down and make us all redundant. As the old MD of company B had left, and due to my good relationships within the industry, I was able to go to company B again, albeit in a standard sales role.
CoupeKid said:
Depends on why you left them.
If you liked them but got itchy feet then fine.
If they were dysfunctional clowns who treated you badly then what makes you think they will be different this time?
That's it really. Nothing wrong with it in principle, but like getting back together with an ex, be mindful of why you left in the first place.If you liked them but got itchy feet then fine.
If they were dysfunctional clowns who treated you badly then what makes you think they will be different this time?
I went back to the same one twice 
First time I was made redundant, went back after a couple of years.
Second time I left of my own accord for a ‘better’ opportunity, left on the Friday and was back there the following Thursday after realising the ‘better’ opportunity was far, far from that
Stayed for 12 years then. It was time to move on then and I’m glad I did and wouldn’t go back for all the tea in China.
First time I was made redundant, went back after a couple of years.
Second time I left of my own accord for a ‘better’ opportunity, left on the Friday and was back there the following Thursday after realising the ‘better’ opportunity was far, far from that
Stayed for 12 years then. It was time to move on then and I’m glad I did and wouldn’t go back for all the tea in China.
I did in an agri sales job. A good company and a good manager in the 90s. I wasn't right for it though. But they took me back, invested in me and paid me well. I didn't have the cold blooded determination needed or self confidence. (I hate cocky s
tes to this day and quickly see right through them) . But they saw in me what I didn't.
tes to this day and quickly see right through them) . But they saw in me what I didn't.I ve worked in the same job for the last 28 years since I was 18 so for me no.
MrsMB140 has on occasion.
Infact she finished her current job today (salaried) at 1230. Working for a Spanish firm (Acceona) on a project in Birmingham.
She starts back contracting via our Ltd company for a new project in Cheshire week on Monday but Acceona have already asked if she can work in her spare time as a consultant on the job she has just left. 4 figures a day. Helps her stay outside IR 35 so yes she has gone back.
Helps she is a quite well know and regarded expert in her field (gets head hunted offers all the time) and there are not many people doing what she does so she can name a price really.
MrsMB140 has on occasion.
Infact she finished her current job today (salaried) at 1230. Working for a Spanish firm (Acceona) on a project in Birmingham.
She starts back contracting via our Ltd company for a new project in Cheshire week on Monday but Acceona have already asked if she can work in her spare time as a consultant on the job she has just left. 4 figures a day. Helps her stay outside IR 35 so yes she has gone back.
Helps she is a quite well know and regarded expert in her field (gets head hunted offers all the time) and there are not many people doing what she does so she can name a price really.
Several times - my first job post graduating was with a big car leasing outfit in 1991 (I’m an IT dev). I’ve been back with them as a contractor three times.
Big mobile telco (how I met my wife - she’s my ex-boss’ sister) - twice as a contractor (first time for five years solid).
Current role (gaming) - went there as a contractor in 2008 til 2009, then most of 2011, back there in mid 2012 and permits with them 2013. Still there.
Any one of the above was the sort of place I’d have wanted to work as a permie if offered. Current place did offer.
Contracting can be quite handy like that - sort of “try before you buy”.
Big mobile telco (how I met my wife - she’s my ex-boss’ sister) - twice as a contractor (first time for five years solid).
Current role (gaming) - went there as a contractor in 2008 til 2009, then most of 2011, back there in mid 2012 and permits with them 2013. Still there.
Any one of the above was the sort of place I’d have wanted to work as a permie if offered. Current place did offer.
Contracting can be quite handy like that - sort of “try before you buy”.
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