The Boomerang Effect - returning to a former job

Last year I did a boomerang. I left my job in February, only to return in September. This was never my intention, but it happened. Returning to an old flame isn't just one big party though. When you return, you might find yourself in a different situation. With ths blog I'll try to give some insight into what it's like to return to a former job.

Acknowledgement of skills

The fact that both you and your employer have reached another agreement means you both acknowledge eachother as a decent partner. There is enough trust to build upon one another once more. There must have been a spark, otherwise you wouldn't have been discussing a second term in the first place.

Be relaxed about it

When re-starting be sure to make it a smooth start. Don't go in there shouting what should be done or shouldn't be done. You have to earn back your place in the team. Rushing or being demanding won't help you settle back in at all. Know you have once deserted the team and win them back by simply doing your job well. Easy does it.

Your tasks may change slightly

In line with the previous point - getting back in there smoothly also means your tasks may change slightly. You're probably capable of more, but again: easy does it. Someone may have possibly been promoted in your absence or the balance in the team may have shifted. Maybe there's even a new manager. This means your tasks may be different from before as the conditions are not (yet) the same.

Fans and haters

Be prepared for some backlash from your co-workers. You did not only leave an employer - you also left behind a team. It's pretty safe to say some people will welcome you back with open arms, some may not be so kind.

For those not so keen to welcome you back - there are two kinds. The kind that will tell you openly about his or her doubts concerning your comeback. And the kind that won't tell and won't be happy to talk to you at all. You'll find that someone who is being open and honest and telling you - was actually most hurt by your leaving. You have to put in an effort for these people - they are your most valuable colleagues!

Your "better deal" 

When someone's leaving there will be rumours. Expect some when you get back too. Colleagues will ask questions such as "did you fail at your inbetween boss?" or "did we call you or did you get in touch with us?". People are curious and stories about your leaving may surface when you're back. Be prepared to swallow your pride at times, but mostly I'd suggest to answer the questions honestly.

The most asked question is "what deal did you make?". People expect you to have agreed to come back on a better deal. If this isn't the case - debunk it immediately. If it is the case, be sensitive of what to tell and to whome. Talk to people one-on-one if you feel its a sensitive subject.

Risks

There are some pitfalls when you get back. The company won't have changed (much). So you'll find that certain things you did or didn't like haven't changed. That's actually not a problem at all as long as you are aware of this. Don't get angry or dissappointed, focus on the reasons why you re-joined.

Another one is that you're possibly going to work too much. You want to earn back some trust and you may feel you can do this by saying "yes" to every project. You'll also work more hours to get all this work done. Remember they hired you for a reason and say "no" every now and then.

I am aware that not everything I am saying may apply to your situation. However, I actually did some research for this blogpost by talking to other people who had rejoined a company. We noticed similarities in the stories - and those have been listed above.

Although I've been back for 4 months I am still trying to find my way. There's no shame in that. It takes time to find your place again.

Thanks for reading.