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Unhappy with my current job that I just started a month ago and want to go back to my old job.

posted 3 years ago by Jason46 (337)
5 replies | jump to latest

I work two part-time jobs and been at both for about 1.5 year. I quitted one of my jobs about a month ago that I was on good terms with everyone there. My boss and coworkers were sad to see me go. I wanted to leave for better salary. However, I've been at this new part-time job for a month now, and it isn't a good fit at all. I don't fit with the culture/vibe of the office. Everybody here seems unfriendly and there seems to be underlying tension that you can feel. There's that "walking on eggshells" feeling. At the end of my shifts, I feel tensed and anxiety. I'm constantly being thrown under the bus and reported by coworkers here. I just don't feel appreciated or respected by coworkers and by my new boss. Alot of unclear expectations and no real training. I really don't think "things will just get better" with time.

I'm starting to regret taking this job even though I'm making more money and want to go back to my old job. Luckily, I still have my 2nd part-time job to fall back on if I quit this job, but I do want to work full-time.

I've talked with my old boss yesterday and he would be glad to have me back. Is there a stigma of being a "boomerang" employee though? Is this common?

How should I approach giving notice to my current employer that it's not working out? Should I tell my current employer that I plan on going back to my old workplace or is that really none of their business? I don't want to burn bridges. But then again, it would be good to let current employer know that I'm appreciated elsewhere especially at my previous job who would be happy to take me back.

Should I even list the job that didn't work out on my resume though? It was only a month and I'm going back to my old boss. Also, I'm still currently working at the 2nd part-time job.

[–] andreaahr (2332) 3 years ago

Don't list your new job (the one that you want to quit on your resume) because, being that you were only there for a short period of time, it doesn't look good to potential new employees who may want to hire you. When you go back to your new job, just explain to people who ask that the new job didn't work out for you (you don't have to give specific details). Just being honest with your new boss and tell him/ or her that this job is not working out for you so, you are going to look into other opportunities. You are not forced to stay there and I think you are making the right decision by leaving. Sometimes, making more money doesn't always mean that the job will be a better fit for you.

[–] Jason46 (337) 3 years ago

Thanks. Should I bother telling the new boss that I'm going back to my old boss/workplace? Or don't even bother with that? Just be brief as possible. I'll say "It's not a fit". And if they ask why it's not a fit, I'll just say "No comment".

[–] andreaahr (2332) 3 years ago

No, don’t tell your new boss that you are going back to your old job because it is none of his/ her business. Just simply say- I want to thank you for this opportunity but this is not working out for me so I am moving on to other opportunities.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 3 years ago

Jason, you never know until you try. You tried your new job, and you’re not happy, so give your notice, and leave. There’s more to life than money—BUT get with your old boss and get your old life back first. And use that discussion as a lever for getting yourself a raise. Say something like, “I’m at my most productive and best HERE, but what would be perfect for you and for me is a raise to my pay at my current job. How does that sound to you?” If you don’t ask for it, you’ll never get it. What’s the worst that can happen? He can say “No,” in which case you’ve lost nothing and gained more respect from him. Or maybe he makes you a counter-offer. Or maybe he sets goals for you to reach that, when you do, the raise kicks in.

As for how you leave your new job when you give your notice, wait to see how your manager reacts when you give it. If s/he asks why you are leaving, take the opportunity to politely but honestly explain your problems with the culture and the lack of training, as you’ve done here. If your manager puts you down and tells you it’s all your fault, s/he’s incompetent and is part of the problem. If the manager thanks you for giving ideas how to improve the place, you can say you’re going back to your previous job—and, if your old job is now matching the pay of the job you’re leaving, tell the manager. It increases your value in their eyes, and they make you a counter-offer. If that happens, tell your old boss what the offer was. The key to selling anything is in showing THE VALUE of what you are selling.

And leave this job off your resume. Just list your former/“new” job as 1 continuous period of employment.

[–] Jason46 (337) 3 years ago

Why, thank you, R-Kane. Nice solid advice. I appreciate you taking the time to write all of that.

"If s/he asks why you are leaving, take the opportunity to politely but honestly explain your problems with the culture and the lack of training, as you’ve done here. "

Errr, I'm worried answering that question honestly may invite unneeded conflict/stress. She will likely divert and blame me. I don't want to get into a long drawn-out argument with her. How about responding with "No comment". Just keep it simple and brief?

"If the manager thanks you for giving ideas how to improve the place, you can say you’re going back to your previous job—and, if your old job is now matching the pay of the job you’re leaving, tell the manager. It increases your value in their eyes, and they make you a counter-offer. "

I highly doubt this manager will change her ways. I doubt they will make a counter-offer given that alot of coworkers are reporting negative comments about me to her. This kind of thing hasn't happened with my old job or my current 2nd part-time job, yet it's happening here. I feel boredline bullied here. I do agree telling her that I'm returning to my old boss will increase my value in their eyes. Like "Well, his old boss must have appreciated him. Why else would they take him back?".

There's a lot of unclear expectations here in this current place. I can't read my boss' mind and when I don't do certain tasks her way, I'm set up for failure and coworkers report on me. It's stressful. Lack of communication is a big thing here.

"And leave this job off your resume. Just list your former/“new” job as 1 continuous period of employment."

Indeed. It's as if I didn't work there at all.

I cannot wait until I own my own business someday! Set my own rules and my own destiny. Too many politics and stress working for someone else. It's rare to find a good fit. I like to think of it as dating. Being in this current place is like being in an unhappy, dysfunctional marriage.