How crazy would I be to re-apply to work at an organization I left on bad terms?

[Anonymous]

I worked for this place for 5 years, a few years ago. At first, I was in a department I really liked. I was offered a move into another division. My performance in the new position was good (I got excellent performance reviews), but politics made the job unpleasant. When the project I was working on finished, I chose not to re-up.

I was disappointed in the lack of support I got from the higher-ups during the politics, but I enjoyed working there, overall. There is a position open in my original department-- so I'd be doing a job I like, and (I hope) I wouldn't have to deal with the drama of the other department.

I just finished a contract job, and have nothing lined up , so that's definitely part of why I'm considering this!

I didn't leave on very bad terms-- like I said, I did a good job, and I stayed to the end of my contract. I didn't cause any drama, or do anything spiteful. It's just that the higher-ups know that I was ticked off and felt unsupported when I left.

Would I be stupid to even apply? Do you think they'd even consider my application?

[Anonymous]

Do you have any connections in the department where you'd like to work? If your unhappiness was clear to leadership and you apply directly, I do not think you'll be successful. If you have an advocate on your side that will communicate why you want to come back and why your feelings have changed, I'd say go for it.

[Anonymous]

Who cares if it would be stupid? The worst thing that happens is that they reject you. 21:20 has good advice - try to seek out connections in that department and see how you can minimize the awkwardness.

[Anonymous]

Do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have any connections in the department where you'd like to work? If your unhappiness was clear to leadership and you apply directly, I do not think you'll be successful. If you have an advocate on your side that will communicate why you want to come back and why your feelings have changed, I'd say go for it.

Unfortunately, none of my allies from that department are still there.

[Anonymous]

I think you need at least one advocate on the inside but worst case is they reject you. Be prepared if you do go in for an interview to explain what you would do differently this time around. I did go back to a previous employer that I left out of frustration BUT I had several people that wanted me back and I had to do some soul searching and own my part in the departure (i.e. Why did I let this person get to me and what could I have done sooner, what would I do if a similar situation happened again and someone difficult was in a position to give me work etc.) People want to know you will stick it out a if you come back and it isn't dependent on John being your boss or Susan being your co-worker.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't sound like you left on such bad terms and years have passed so emotions about the politics may have passed too. I would apply and see what happens.