When you accept a new job and leave your current role, it’s normally with the belief that the new opportunity is a better fit. However, there are situations when a professional might regret leaving their last employer. Maybe the job isn’t as strong of a fit as they hoped, or the new employer had to make cuts, causing them to get let go.
In those situations, it’s common to wish that you didn’t jump ship and quit your old job. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to move forward. Here’s what to do if you left a position for a new job and now regret it.
Consider Whether Your New Job Is Salvageable
First, it’s best to take a close look at your new role and see if it’s salvageable. While this isn’t applicable if you were cut due to layoffs, if you still hold the job, determining whether it can become a position you enjoy is worthwhile.
Spend time reflecting on the aspects of the role that aren’t a fit. Create a list that specifically outlines what isn’t working. Then, create a new list covering features of the job that you do enjoy.
Once you do, it’s time to analyze what you’ve gathered and see if it’s possible to make adjustments to your position to increase your satisfaction. While this can mean having a difficult conversation with your current manager, it’s potentially worth doing if changing an aspect of the role could alter your perception of the job.
However, if the challenges you have with the position aren’t correctable, such as a broadly toxic culture, then it’s better to start planning for an exit. Ideally, you want to focus on finding another position before leaving, and there are two options that are discussed below.
See If Returning to Your Old Job Is an Option
In the current landscape, seeing workers return to an old job isn’t uncommon. Often, these professionals are referred to as “boomerang” employees, as they’re essentially returning to a past position.
Whether returning to your old job is an option depends on company policies regarding whether former employees are rehirable. Reach out to the organization’s HR department to see if the company is open to rehiring past employees. If so, you may be able to ask about your eligibility.
Alternatively, if you’re still connected to your last manager, you could have a discussion with them. Focus on expressing an interest in returning over explicitly asking for your job back. Additionally, use the same approach as you would during an interview when discussing why you’re asking, as badmouthing your current employer usually won’t go over well.
However, this option should only be on the table if you left your last position for a reason other than dissatisfaction with the role, such as a higher salary or a better job title. If you exited for another reason and the situation likely isn’t different, then you may be better off moving on to the next option.
Find a New Job in Connecticut That Better Meets Your Needs
If returning to your old job isn’t possible or isn’t wise due to the reason you left, then finding a new position is often your best strategy. By partnering with a recruiter, you can discover right-fit opportunities faster, all while you continue working in your current job to keep your income secure.
If you’re ready to find an exciting opportunity, contact the team at A.R. Mazzotta or visit our website to check out our open jobs today.