Dear Cindy – New Job Regrets

I'm in a position similar to Mistake, who gave notice, but now wants to change his/her mind. In my case, I actually did leave my old job, but now, after a few weeks in the new job, I know I've made a mistake, and I want to quit and go back to my old job. What do I do?

Sincerely,

I'm Mistaken, Too

Your situation is the same as Mistake's, with one exception.

Like Mistake, you'll have to do a very good sell job about why you want to come back. Some reasons will go over better than others. For example, think of how an employer would react to these different reasons: "I only took the new job because of the promise of a higher wage, and it didn't materialize" and "I took the new job because I was bored with my old job, but the new job is boring too." And like Mistake, your sell job will have to explain why you won't jump ship at the next opportunity.

Before you get your speech ready, see what's going on at your old workplace, perhaps through your former coworkers. Can your boss take you back? Does your boss want you back?

And here's the additional thing to consider: By leaving your current job, are you breaking a contract? If so, will this employer let you out of it, or will you be penalized? If you'll be penalized, are you prepared to pay the penalty (which may be financial in addition to a smudge on your reputation)?