Should you go back to an old employer?

By Clara Bihn
Media & Communications Manager

Did you get a new job but it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be? Did you leave your old company, but now they’re going in a new direction you want to be a part of? You’re not alone. One survey by UKG shows 43 percent of people who quit their job during the pandemic would be willing to go back to their old job — and half of them actually did. Boomerang employees are not uncommon — and something companies are becoming more open to. There are many reasons you may consider rejoining your old company.

You gained more experience

Maybe you left your company because you wanted the opportunity to try something new. One of the top reasons people left a job during the Great Resignation was due to a lack of advancement opportunities. Whether you’re looking to learn about a new industry or gain new skills, sometimes you have to look elsewhere. And if you convey that to your current employer respectfully, there could always be the opportunity to come back.

I discovered first hand just how strong these connections can be. I was an intern at Bohlsen Group during my senior year of college. I spent the summer getting to know everyone and getting a taste of agency life and really enjoyed the culture and mission of the company. While I still had a year of school left, I stayed connected with some people on the team. I ended up starting my career at a different agency and was able to get great experience in public relations and account management. Once there was an opportunity to come back here, I felt confident that I could bring those useful skills to the company as a manager.

Maybe the role you wanted wasn’t at your current company at the time, but things can always change. If you liked your old company and the culture it had, it’s always in your best interest to stay connected. Then, if the opportunity comes up to join your old team as more of a senior leader, not only are you already familiar with many of their processes, but you now have a new outside perspective that can generate great ideas for the future of the company.

Things change - for either company

One common reason people boomerang back to old companies is because the new company did not live up to the expectations that were set during the hiring process. Whether you’re not doing the work your new manager said you would be, or the company culture isn’t aligned to what you thought, sometimes the grass isn’t always greener. There could also be organizational shifts in management or leadership that may cause people to reconsider their decision to change jobs.

Change could also happen at your old company. Maybe it is changing its focus and offerings, and the areas of growth you wanted to work on are now available there. Or, your old company has a new leadership team that you’re more excited to work with. 

Keep in mind, just because things have changed, it doesn’t always mean you should go back right away. If you left a company because you didn’t like the culture, you’ll want to be sure there have been substantial, lasting changes before going back. And besides, if you’re satisfied and fulfilled with your new role, it’s likely best to stick around for a while and embrace those new experiences. 

The timing is right

Sometimes, it’s simply all about timing. There are many outside factors that could lead someone to leave their current role. Whether they are relocating or need to spend more time taking care of their family, reasons for leaving a company are not always due to the company itself. And if you leave on good terms, then no door ever truly closes. 

My transition back to Bohlsen Group mostly came down to perfect timing. As I was between roles at the end of last year, they were looking for more people to join their team. Even though it was nearly four years ago since I last worked there, the need and the timing for everyone couldn’t have been better.

There’s nothing wrong with looking into boomerang back to your old company. What’s important is that you find opportunities to grow. And, if you happen to find that with a team and company you’re familiar with, it doesn’t hurt to reach out and see what’s possible!