Published on Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
Changing careers midway is all the rage now. People ditch their established careers and set out on a new path with stars in their eyes.
Yet, dreams often turn to dust as some career changers do not like the new job as much as their old one. Call it a classic case of ‘the grass being greener on the other side’ or whatever, but the new career fails to be as satisfying or rew arding as expected.
Crestfallen with the wrong turn of events, they crave to revisit the ‘good old days’! But with more and more people being bitten by the career-changing bug only to lament the decision, returning to an old occupation is no longer considered taboo.
So, instead of rueing over the situation and hating the new job, you can and should admit your mistake and try to return to your previous career. The return journey
As it is generally not considered wise to return to an old employer, it is advisable to exercise your options and try getting a job at other companies in the same field. Yet, before considering a comeback, honestly ask yourself why you want to return. Is it because you don’t have another choice?
Again, remember that your recent experience may no longer relate to your new (read: older) goals. Are you willing to be weighed down by this liability?
However, experts advise that you can twist the seeming millstone to your advantage by playing up the knowledge and additional insight gained from the multi-faceted experience.
Market your new strengths, capabilities and broad perspective that will improve your contributions and effectiveness in the old profession.
Yet, dreams often turn to dust as some career changers do not like the new job as much as their old one. Call it a classic case of ‘the grass being greener on the other side’ or whatever, but the new career fails to be as satisfying or rew arding as expected.
Crestfallen with the wrong turn of events, they crave to revisit the ‘good old days’! But with more and more people being bitten by the career-changing bug only to lament the decision, returning to an old occupation is no longer considered taboo.
So, instead of rueing over the situation and hating the new job, you can and should admit your mistake and try to return to your previous career. The return journey
As it is generally not considered wise to return to an old employer, it is advisable to exercise your options and try getting a job at other companies in the same field. Yet, before considering a comeback, honestly ask yourself why you want to return. Is it because you don’t have another choice?
Again, remember that your recent experience may no longer relate to your new (read: older) goals. Are you willing to be weighed down by this liability?
However, experts advise that you can twist the seeming millstone to your advantage by playing up the knowledge and additional insight gained from the multi-faceted experience.
Market your new strengths, capabilities and broad perspective that will improve your contributions and effectiveness in the old profession.
Back to square one
At worst, you can even find your way back to your old job. It’s hard saying, “Can I have my old job back?” but you have to eat humble pie and admit your mistake.
So, first assess whether the conditions that made you leave have really changed. Most often, fond memories impart a rosy hue and make an old job seem more satisfying than it really was. It pays to research the corporate scenario and talk to erstwhile colleagues about the internal environment to apprise yourself of changes, if any, in your absence.
Again, the job may not be yours for the asking. The previous employer may smirk at your over-confidence and refuse to take a once-errant employee back into the fold.
You have to argue that your new skills will make you bring more value to the old job. Also, highlight that you already know the ropes and can hit the ground running, eliminating the mandatory break-in time a new employee would take, not to mention the inherent recruitment and training costs.
Managers may even worry that the ‘refugee’ will jump ship again at the first sign of a more lucrative career opportunity. Job consultant Robert Gerberg advices, “You can make the point that, after being away from the field for a while, you realised how much you enjoyed it, and how right your talents were for it, so that the employer is not likely to find a more enthusiastic and motivated candidate for the job.
You can reassure them that you will never be looking over your shoulder, wondering whether you might be happier doing something else!”
Also, be prepared for the fact that the manager may reinstate you, but in a different position.
At worst, you can even find your way back to your old job. It’s hard saying, “Can I have my old job back?” but you have to eat humble pie and admit your mistake.
So, first assess whether the conditions that made you leave have really changed. Most often, fond memories impart a rosy hue and make an old job seem more satisfying than it really was. It pays to research the corporate scenario and talk to erstwhile colleagues about the internal environment to apprise yourself of changes, if any, in your absence.
Again, the job may not be yours for the asking. The previous employer may smirk at your over-confidence and refuse to take a once-errant employee back into the fold.
You have to argue that your new skills will make you bring more value to the old job. Also, highlight that you already know the ropes and can hit the ground running, eliminating the mandatory break-in time a new employee would take, not to mention the inherent recruitment and training costs.
Managers may even worry that the ‘refugee’ will jump ship again at the first sign of a more lucrative career opportunity. Job consultant Robert Gerberg advices, “You can make the point that, after being away from the field for a while, you realised how much you enjoyed it, and how right your talents were for it, so that the employer is not likely to find a more enthusiastic and motivated candidate for the job.
You can reassure them that you will never be looking over your shoulder, wondering whether you might be happier doing something else!”
Also, be prepared for the fact that the manager may reinstate you, but in a different position.
Is the door really wide open?
Going in expecting a red-carpet welcome is downright foolish. Do not delude yourself that things will be easy. It takes great courage and determination to ride out the derisive ‘I told you so’ and sniggering antagonism.
Try to reconnect with your old colleagues and earn their trust. Rebuilding relationships with managers and co-workers by supporting their efforts will help make the transition much smoother.
You cannot ever glide back into the job as if you were never away. Re-adjusting back takes time as the set up from working practices to organisational culture to office politics may have changed dramatically.
Try to adapt yourself to the changed scenario. All said and done, irrespective of whether you were away for six months or 60, only a well-executed job change can spell success in returning to an old occupation.
Going in expecting a red-carpet welcome is downright foolish. Do not delude yourself that things will be easy. It takes great courage and determination to ride out the derisive ‘I told you so’ and sniggering antagonism.
Try to reconnect with your old colleagues and earn their trust. Rebuilding relationships with managers and co-workers by supporting their efforts will help make the transition much smoother.
You cannot ever glide back into the job as if you were never away. Re-adjusting back takes time as the set up from working practices to organisational culture to office politics may have changed dramatically.
Try to adapt yourself to the changed scenario. All said and done, irrespective of whether you were away for six months or 60, only a well-executed job change can spell success in returning to an old occupation.
PAYAL CHANANIA
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