Old boss calling? Tread cautiously now
It is flattering to know that your previous employer wants you back. Going back to your former employee can be a good career decision. You just need to check if it is the right move in your career at this particular point of time. Simply put, you should have better prospects in the future if were you to go back.
If you were laid off in the first place and your previous employer wants you to return, it is indeed a great feeling. Assess your career progress from the time you left. If it has been happy enough without any hitches; it is always advisable to remain with your current employee despite the interesting pay package that your previous employer offers. If you feel that you are robbed of the adventure or you are completely lost to monotony in the current job, examine the chances of improving your situation by interacting with your boss and peers. Suppose the chances are remote that your job might not be worthwhile, then contemplate on switching gears to your previous employer.
Analyse the reasons if you had left the company voluntarily. Friends might come up with numerous explanations that the company has changed greatly or there has been an outright transformation. Be cautious don’t blindly trust them.
Do some additional research and learn more about the state of the company and its practices. Make use of your network and interact with some of your colleagues who would give unbiased information. You could even contact other stakeholders such as clients, customers, and suppliers. They can give you their perspective.
Interact with your previous manager and ascertain plausible prospects, both near and far future. Focus more on the next promotion and the time frame.
Likewise, clearly understand the appraisal process in both your present and previous employer so that you can tread into a company that values meaningful performance.
Compare your roles and responsibilities in the two companies. People often commit the mistake of comparing the companies and the brand names.
Most of us prefer companies with bigger brand names and better market growth rates. This is not the best way to look at your career. Concentrate on your roles and responsibilities and settle for the job that offers better chances to learn and excel.
You might end up branded as a job hopper if you leave the company again within a very short period. Future employers do not consider it as returning to your past employer; they consider it as a change in job. Look at your career profile and even though job-hopping has become a trend, avoid doing so frequently.
Job-hopping should add a variety of responsibilities and roles within a short period. However, ensure that you do not end up becoming a jack-of-all-trades.
Ultimately, other reasons such as commuting might also play a significant role in determining your change to new jobs.
Family responsibilities, requirements, and such personal aspects should be taken into consideration before you jump to a conclusion about going back to your former employer. Move but move cautiously!
CHAKRAVARTHY TENNETI
faqs@cnkonline.com
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