Returning to your old job? Here’s how to ensure a successful comeback

Guides, Jobsearch, Jobseekers / 15 August 2023

There are plenty of valid reasons that you might return to your old job and employer. Perhaps you missed the familiar environment of your old workplace, your new job wasn’t a good fit, or your personal circumstances have changed. Whatever your motivation, returning to your old job can be both an exciting prospect and a challenging situation.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to smooth that transition.

Reconnect with your old colleagues

Why would you reconnect with your old colleagues when you make your return?

Reconnecting with your former workmates allows you to reestablish the professional relationships you left behind.
Your old colleagues can offer insight into the current company culture and team dynamics, which may have changed since you left.
Reconnecting with your old colleagues can foster a positive work atmosphere and create a sense of belonging within the team.

Before you return to your old job, take the time to reconnect with your past colleagues to let them know that you’ll be rejoining the team. Don’t forget to express your enthusiasm to be back and try to get a sense of their reaction.

If you’re nervous about reconnecting or you don’t know what to say, take a little time to create an elevator pitch, for instance, why you’re returning and when you’ll be starting. Preparing beforehand means that you won’t have to worry about awkward gaps in the conversation, stumbling over your words, or accidentally revealing information you wanted to keep to yourself.

Update your company knowledge and prepare for change

There are sure to have been changes within the company since you left so it’s important that you update your company knowledge. A great starting place is the company website. Even if there haven’t been major changes to the website, there may have been subtle alterations such as a change in focus. The company news pages or blog can be especially useful to identify the changing attitude of your employer.

Other ways to update your company knowledge include:

reading internal company newsletters
asking your colleagues
attending company training sessions or workshops
accessing online resources provided by your employer
participating in professional development opportunities, such as webinars, online courses, or industry conferences

Taking the time to update your company knowledge not only prepares you for any changes that may have happened while you were away but will also demonstrate your enthusiasm to your employer.

Communicate with your old (new) employer

Maintain an open dialogue with your employer throughout the entire transition process to ensure that you share a common understanding of your role and your employer’s expectations. Factors that you might discuss include:

clarifying expectations so that you know exactly what is being asked of you
expressing any concerns you may have about your return
sharing your professional goals so that your employer can investigate suitable professional development opportunities
seeking feedback and guidance from your employer
discussing any changes in company culture, team dynamics, or your job

This should be a two-way exchange of information so don’t simply focus on telling your employer what you want. Listen to what they expect from you too.

Address unresolved issues

If there were any unresolved issues that led to your previous departure, it’s important to address them before you return. Lingering tensions or unresolved conflicts can taint a return to your old job, hindering collaboration, progress, and trust.

You may wish to talk to your employer, manager, or other involved colleague to talk over these issues. Be prepared to listen to the other person’s perspective. Focus on resolution and moving forward. Remember that conflict is rarely one-sided, so it may be necessary to apologise and acknowledge your part in the situation. However, it’s equally important that you don’t feel bullied into simply accepting the unresolved issue. Stand up for yourself, maintain your boundaries, and push for a resolution that respects your rights, values, and professional well-being.

Set new goals

Returning to your old job provides the opportunity for a fresh start, so don’t forget to set yourself fresh goals. Reflect on your personal and professional growth aspirations. What skills do you want to develop, what knowledge do you want to acquire, and what areas of expertise do you want to expand on? Set goals that align with your long-term professional aspirations and contribute to your overall career advancement.

Wrapping it up

Returning to your old job can be both a pleasure and a cause of stress. Ensure a successful comeback by:

reconnecting with your old colleagues to restore your professional relationships and ease your return to the team
acknowledging that the company may have changed while you were away and updating your company knowledge
maintaining an open dialogue with your employer during the transition to ensure you are both on the same page
addressing any unresolved issues that may have led to your departure
setting new personal and professional goals

With the right approach, you can create a successful new opportunity in a familiar work environment.