Why You Should Never Go Back To Your Old Job
Ah, the siren song of the old job. It whispers sweet nothings of familiarity. "Remember those cozy break rooms?" it croons. "The colleagues who actually got your inside jokes?" It paints a rosy picture of a place you know like the back of your hand. And for a fleeting moment, it’s tempting. So very tempting.
But here’s a little secret, a slightly unpopular opinion that might make some folks clutch their pearls: You should probably, almost definitely, never go back. Like, ever. Think of it as a carefully curated museum exhibit of your past. You can visit, reminisce, maybe even buy a souvenir postcard. But moving back in? That’s a whole different ballgame, and usually a losing one.
Let’s break down why this seemingly sensible idea is often a recipe for… well, something less than ideal. First off, there’s the illusion. When you leave a job, your brain has a funny way of editing. It tends to scrub out the pesky details. You forget the tedious meetings that dragged on like a sloth on tranquilizers. You conveniently gloss over the boss who had a particular fondness for micromanaging your stapler. Instead, you remember the good stuff. The camaraderie. The challenge. The fact that you knew where the decent coffee machine was.
"Your brain is a master storyteller, and it loves a happy ending. Sometimes, that happy ending involves conveniently forgetting the plot holes."
But the reality? The reality is that place is still the same. The same fluorescent lights, the same slightly sticky desk surfaces, the same lukewarm coffee. And here’s the kicker: You’ve changed. You’ve grown, you’ve learned new things, you’ve probably discovered you actually like working somewhere that values your weekends. Going back is like trying to put on a pair of jeans you wore in high school. They probably won’t fit, and even if they miraculously do, they’ll feel… wrong.
Then there’s the perception. How do you think your old colleagues and your old boss will see you? As a returning hero? Unlikely. More often, it’s a raised eyebrow, a subtle shrug. "Oh, they're back?" The narrative has moved on. You were the person who left. You made a choice. And unless you’re returning with a briefcase full of solid gold and a cure for the common cold, they’re not going to suddenly view you as the prodigal employee. You’re more likely to be seen as someone who couldn’t hack it elsewhere, or worse, someone who’s just… a bit lost.
And let’s talk about the "honeymoon phase" illusion. When you first return, you might get a brief, artificial burst of enthusiasm. "Wow, it's so nice to be back!" you might exclaim, a little too loudly. Everyone will be overly nice for the first week. It’s like when you return a library book that’s two months overdue – the librarian is just happy to see it, no questions asked (yet). But eventually, the novelty wears off. And then you’re just… back. Back to the same old routines, the same old frustrations, but now with the added sting of knowing exactly what’s coming.
Think about the reasons you left in the first place. Were they minor gripes that have magically vanished? Or were they fundamental issues? If your old job was a sinking ship, returning to it is like hopping back on after you’ve already spotted an iceberg. You know what’s coming. You know it’s going to be a chilly, uncomfortable ride. Why would you willingly do that?
Your old job might seem like a comfortable sweater on a chilly day. But often, that sweater has a few moth holes and a slightly dubious stain you can’t quite explain. Your new job, even with its initial awkwardness and unfamiliarity, is a chance for a whole new wardrobe. It’s a chance to try on different styles, to find something that truly fits and makes you feel good.
Plus, there’s the missed opportunity factor. Every day you spend contemplating a return to the past is a day you’re not actively building your future. You’re looking in the rearview mirror when you should be checking the GPS. That dream job? That exciting new project? They’re out there. But they won’t find you if you’re busy dusting off your old nameplate.
So, the next time the ghost of your old employment past starts whispering sweet, familiar tunes, just politely tell it to… skedaddle. Embrace the unknown. Take a leap. Because while nostalgia is a sweet treat, it's a terrible foundation for a career. Your future self will thank you for not going back.