Dear Cindy – Regretting My Bad Departure

I left my job at a dermatology office about two months ago. I just walked out and never went back. I did call my office manager and explained why I did what I did. It's been two months now, and I regret every day that I left the way I did, and I really want to go back. What should I do?

Sincerely,

Regretting

Since you called and gave your manager an explanation, but s/he didn't offer you your old job back, it's gone. Your manager may have had lingering concerns about you disappearing again, and so did not want to offer you a second chance. Further, since it has now been two months, they have likely replaced you or restructured to spread your work amongst your former coworkers. All you can do now is take what learning you can from the experience and move on.

So: When you spoke to your manager about your departure, did the topic of a reference come up? That is, is s/he willing to provide one? If a reference wasn't discussed, call to ask about it. After all, if you performed good work prior to your abrupt departure, you may be able to obtain a decent reference, which will help you in your job search. Also, if you can't get a reference from your former manager, do you have an alternative, such as a senior coworker or an acting supervisor?

Particularly if you can't get a reference, at an interview, be prepared to explain the situation surrounding your departure, and discuss how you would better handle a similar situation in the future.

Good luck.