It’s OK to go back

Often referred to as boomerang employees, it seems that the trend is on the rise, at least from my perspective.

In the past, it seems that many folks would be embarrassed to leave an employer, only to return a few months later. Perhaps it makes them look weak, or unable to embrace change but, it seems to be becoming the norm these days, perhaps for a number of reasons. Have we moved on from this antiquated kind of thinking?

First and foremost, and I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’re hearing this, but it seems that millennial’s (I guess I fall in that bucket) may become attached to a particular workplace overtime, and be afraid to “leave the nest” so to speak. After all, many of them still live with their parents for a number of other reasons, so perhaps this is the same thing? From what I see, they often long for a sense of belonging, safety, and community – and really try to avoid taking risks. Perhaps they find this at one place of employment, go elsewhere, and can never find it again. Maybe they don’t give it a chance, or maybe the grass isn’t always greener? With the growing number of millennials entering the workforce, seeking instant gratification, and trying to move up the ladder, it’s no wonder they’re making more and more career moves – for better, and for worse.

Next, there’s likely always a monetary reason for leaving one employer for another and then shortly returning. Perhaps it’s not that they want to leave, but for some reason or another, they’re not compensated fairly. Unfortunately, traditional organizations, particularly the large ones, typically have terrible performance review processes or don’t handle compensation of existing employees in the best manner. Perhaps it’s a situation where one needs to prove their worth by accepting a new challenge elsewhere, only for their past employer to see a gap now that they’re gone. With the current state of the job market, and employers becoming more competitive when trying to attract new talent, the urge to accept a new position gets harder and harder to resist. Whether these companies live up to what they promise is another story, and could be a reason employees don’t stick around.

Any who, from my personal experience, it seems that this boomerang culture is on the rise. Since I’ve been back at Capital One, there have been several folks return from a brief hiatus – and always welcomed with open arms. After once being worried about the stigma associated with returning to a previous employer, I realize that it’s not as big of a deal as it maybe once was. It gives you a new lease on the working life and helps you appreciate just how good you may have it. You have some new experiences to talk about, and maybe it even helps you make a difference with your newfound knowledge. Perhaps you can use it to your advantage to maintain a certain workplace culture that you otherwise wouldn’t enjoy.

What are your thoughts on boomerangs? Have you or someone you know left one company, only to return a short time later? How did it make you feel?