Should I go back to my previous employer if an opportunity turns up?

Question

My partner has left her previous employer due to no promotion opportunities as an Accounts officer and joined a listed company. However, in the last two months; she hasn't fully settled down in her new workplace and the accountant in the previous work place and therefore raised a very very possible opportunity for her to be promoted to accountant in her previous work place. Her Human Resource Manager in her previous work place has supported her to go back, although her previous CFO has not been informed yet.

She has been qualified as a CPA in the last two months, there is no obvious promotion any time soon in her new work place and she is stressful about the daily tasks and office politics. 

Nevertheless, she would find relaxed and easy in terms of the workload and office relationships if she goes back to her previous employer. 

Therefore, the question posed here, is the above mentioned; but would like to seek advice about the possible choices. 

Note: salary wise, it would be the same. 

Thanks in advance.

Tom Z · Accepted Answer

Well according to your narrative there is no immediate promotion opportunity but the previous employer apparently is offering a promotion to an accountant's position. So it seems that what she was seeking, a promotion, is now available with the original employer. A promotion, less stress, perhaps better working conditions and the same rate of pay. Seems like a "slam dunk", right?

However, as always, it's never that cut and dried. First, the CFO has not even been informed of this possibility. That could be the end of any speculation. Second, how ambitious is your partner? She has joined a national firm which I presume has significantly greater long term promotion opportunities (even if not immediately) and probably greater earning potential. Does she want to go back to where she felt there wasn't much chance of advancement? How does she envision her future? Is she going to be satisfied to, in effect, take a step back? Third, Is there a chance for ownership? Fourth, you don't mention ages. How old is your partner? early 30's? 50's? If she is younger there may be time to "play around". If she is older her decision may be hard to reverse if she subsequently feels that her decision to return was not the right one.

That's my humble opinion

? · Answer

Same salary and less stress is my choice.

Should I go back to my previous employer if an opportunity turns up?

2 Answers