Would you return to your old company?

[drcarlos]

Got a final interview for a job at my old company. I left there 4 years ago to take a job at my current firm. The initial job was not a good move and I struggled to adapt and fit in, but 18 months ago I took on a different role that I fitted into really well. Recently though the job role was changed (to almost the same role I started at the company on) without consultation and I have become unhappy.
I was phoned by a recruiter who was found my CV online and matched me to a role at my old firm, had the first telehpone interview last week (it was the tough techy one) and have been offered a final one in person next week.
I must admit now though I am apprehensive. I am currently waiting for an internal transfer to go ahead to move me back into my favoured role but I am sure I will get no extra money (I have been working 2 grades beyond my current one for 18 months) and I don't think we will get our bonus' this year either, so internally money prospects are not good. The external role at my old firm pays about 17k a year more than my current role so money wise it's a no brainer. I also still have friends at my old firm and it's closer to home, when not travelling. So that's good.
However I may be looking through rose tinted specs remembering the good old days and they say you should never go back etc. etc.
Has anyone returned to there old firm after a time away and what were their experiences?
I will do the interview to give myself options but I find myself a bit apprehensive.

Carl.

 

[Pickle]

If it were me, no.

In the late 90's, I left a firm of estate agents to work for a competitor. Things didnt work out at my new job, and I was offered a job back with my old firm again.

Basically, I was treated like muck once I returned and was squeezed out.

It felt a bit like they did it on purpose. Shame, as previously I'd had over 3 years of happy employment and 3 promotions with them :roll:

Never go back to somewhere you've already left!

 

[legrandefromage]

If TAG McLaren Audio was started up again, yes.

International Audio Group - no

Tesco - only if my life depended on it....

 

[cchris2lou]

I did it a few years ago , and it was fine .

 

[tintin40]

I have and it was a bad idea. So wouldn't do it again

 

[jbsteven]

I've had a couple employees come back to my business. They asked me to rehire them.

 

[drcarlos]

I only really left the old place as typically with large organisations payrises had stagnated and I was offered an extra 15k a year by my present firm, was much quicker to stagnate here pay wise though.
Still have a good relationship with my old boss though and he would gladly give me a refernce to get back in.
I am looking to move for two reasons though really career progression and money, which is the sad thing about large corporates, you perform above and beyond consistantly but you never get the cash, they would rather you left and it cost them the 12k to recruit an outsider than pay you another penny.

Carl.

 

[TheGreenRabbit]

for the right money, yes.

 

[drcarlos]

well general response is mixed, which was sort of expected.
i guess as the money is right its probably worth going for it.

carl

 

[IDB1]

Only if they matched, or improved on, my leaving salary and found me an off-shift role.
Which would never happen and, in the 8 years since we parted, tech has moved on sufficiently that I wouldn't get through an interview.