Should You Go Back To Your Old Job? 6 Ways To Know

If you’re like many people, you’re part of the talent revolution (ak the great resignation): You’ve left your previous job seeking greener pastures. But like many, you may not have found them. The new job may not be measuring up to the picture the recruiter painted when they were recruiting you. So the big question: Do you stay or go? Should you return to your previous employer?

Assuming you didn’t burn any bridges, and given the tight job market, you may just be able to go back to your old job or your previous organization—but would that be a good idea? Consider four key questions and six important factors as you make your decision.

First, know you’re in good company. A study by Monster found 41% of respondents had left their job, and 72% regret doing so. Buyer’s remorse is prevalent. People would also think about returning—61% of people in fact. A study by the Muse found 72% of people felt their new job was very different than what they’d been led to believe—about the job and the company.

Questions to Ask Yourself

As you’re considering whether to go back, start with a few key questions, and then consider important factors for your decision.

The questions to ask yourself are these:

• Did you leave to get away from something or go toward something? In general, when you’re making a job shift, it’s most powerful to go toward something new and exciting—because it’s more future-focused and a better guide for what you pursue. But if you left without a lot of discontent for your previous role, you may be well-suited to return. If the new job isn’t measuring up, and if the previous job wasn’t a negative experience, going back could be a great idea.
• If you left because you were unhappy, have the conditions changed? If you were dissatisfied with things at your previous organization, have they changed? For example, if you didn’t have opportunities for flexible work, have policies shifted now? Or if you weren’t inspired by the leadership of the organization, has there been a changing of the guard? If the issues which gave you angst before have shifted, returning may be a great option.
• What do you miss? And how much do you miss it? As you consider your old job, do you dream of what you had? If you miss big things like the culture of excellence or co-workers who had tons of respect and appreciation for each other, pay attention to these feelings. On the other hand, if you miss things that are less consequential, like a commute which was more convenient or better food in the cafeteria, these may not be great reasons to return. Consider what’s most important for you, and whether the things you miss are big or small in relation to your priorities. If you’re pining for the past based on significant factors, it may be smart to return.
• Can you see a bright future with your new role? With any new role, there is a period of adjustment, so be sure to give your new organization enough time. The co-worker you’re just meeting, could become your best friend at work. And the job you’re doing today could be the first step on your path to a long and brilliant career with the organization. Try to determine whether your discontent is just part of a transition process in which you’re learning and acclimating, or part of a context which just doesn’t feel like the right fit. If you can see a bright future, full of potential and promise, you may be wise to stay with your new role.

Factors for Happy, Fulfilling Work

After you’ve considered key questions, also give thought to factors which are important for your happiness at work.

#1 – Purpose

One of the keys to happiness is a sense that you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself. This doesn’t have to be solving world peace or world hunger (although it that’s what you’re up to, the world thanks you), but it should be something where you feel you have a unique contribution to make to something that matters to you. At which role do you feel like your work matters to something important?

#2 – Leadership

Research shows repeatedly that the number one reason people leave their jobs is because of their leader. In fact, the Monster survey found 28% of people would return to their previous role if their leader left the company. Consider which opportunity offers you better leadership—both senior leaders who are guiding the organization, and your direct leader—and whether they motivate you, offer coaching and model the kind of values which are most important to you. At which job do you feel you have better leadership?

#3 – Colleagues

One of the main reasons people stay with an organization is because they have a best friend at work. And in one study, 75% of people said they found their friends in the workplace. Consider where you have the best fit with the people around you. Where do you feel nourished by others, and where do you feel the strength of a community most? At which organization do you feel you have the best chance for meaningful connections with others?

#4 – Performance and Growth

Performing well is significantly correlated with happiness, so consider whether your job is designed in a way that you can perform at your peak, and whether you have what you need to succeed—from great space and tools to clear processes. Stretching for new opportunities is also a significant source of happiness, and you want an organization where you can grow and reach your potential. Consider both formal learning opportunities like classes or curriculum, but also give thought to whether work is designed so you can learn from those in other departments or obtain coaching as you’re in the trenches working together with others. At which organization can you perform best today, and do you have the best potential to learn and advance your career in the future?

#5 – Quality of Life and Work Experience

The opportunities for flexible work and hybrid work abound—and this is a key criterion for your decisions more than it was in the past. Give thought to which organization provides you with the best salary, benefits and perks (72% of people in the Monster study would be motivated to return based on these factors). Also give thought to the workplace, policies and practices—and whether the company has demonstrated commitment to the employee experience by improving them. And consider whether you get the freedom and empowerment which help you integrate work and life as you wish—while you’re also making a contribution that matters. At which organization can you live your best life where work and life are both honored?

#6 – Culture

Ultimately, you want to feel like you’re aligned with the values and beliefs which make up a culture. There may be cultures where you can help the organization develop—and you can be a cultural catalyst. But you also need to feel enough of a match that you have a strong foundation from which to help the organization build. Give thought to whether you speak the same language (figuratively speaking) with the people around you, whether the organization honors your uniqueness and whether you agree with “the way things get done around here.” At which organization do you feel a fit, and believe you can make the best contribution to where the organization is headed?

In Sum

The decision to stay or go—keeping with your new role or returning to your old standby—will require both the head and the heart. Make lists, rank priorities, rate your options—and then step back and let your gut kick in. Use your best analytical skills and apply your intuitive decision making as well.

The good news is, you have tons of possibilities and alternatives—and the job market provides a wealth of options. You might even decide you want to look for something new-new, rather than staying where you are or returning to what you had. Ultimately, the world is your oyster when you’re willing to jump in and make your best contribution for today, and in the future.