I have also done it-- though when I was early/mid career so it was a slightly different experience. When I returned to the old job, I had a frank conversation with my supervisor regarding what I planned to do moving forward (stay for 2 years until I finished my masters, then likely move into a different field). The transparency was very good for both me and the organization and helped immensely when I was ready to leave again 2 years later.

I have done it. Left my job for a higher paying one that supposedly had more flexible hours so that I could go to grad school. Turned out to be a nightmare boss and no flexibility. My old company took me back and worked with me to set up a school-friendly schedule. I have since left (grad school was for a career switch) but going back was totally fine

Lots of people leave and come back at my work. You could also look for a new job.

OP, do what you think will make you the happiest. I recently had much the same experience as you (ended up very unhappy in my new work environment), and by a turn of events, was able to resign and return to my old workplace. I am so much happier there this time around; I didn't know how well I had it when I was there before! I can't understand why your spouse isn't supportive of you doing what will make you happy, but agree with the PP to put the pros/cons down on paper and go over them with your spouse.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:What's your current commute?

How are you using the time in the 6 months you've had the shorter commute? I am assuming your previos position had the same hour commute as the job at your old organization you want to apply for?

What are the promotion opportunities of the job you want to apply for?

Maybe sit down and make a pro/con list to think through before you talk to your wife. I think an hour commute would be a con, but so is a work environment that drains you.

Are you really sure you don't want to move up and/or you dislike the people? You've only been there a few months. Are you sure you don't just miss the job you were more comfortable with and the people you knew?

OP here, i live in Centreville, commute to Fairfax city. my old job is back in DC NW. It's the difference between a 15-20 min drive and an hour on the bus, then the train. I wouldn't say I use the extra time constructively if I didn't have to drive, I'd love to just sit back and read more.

promotion is not that awesome a possibility in either job. feeling a bit stuck right now

I will do the pro/con list though, and you make a lot of points! Thanks for the tips. Anyone else have thoughts?

What's your current commute?

How are you using the time in the 6 months you've had the shorter commute? I am assuming your previos position had the same hour commute as the job at your old organization you want to apply for?

What are the promotion opportunities of the job you want to apply for?

Maybe sit down and make a pro/con list to think through before you talk to your wife. I think an hour commute would be a con, but so is a work environment that drains you.

Are you really sure you don't want to move up and/or you dislike the people? You've only been there a few months. Are you sure you don't just miss the job you were more comfortable with and the people you knew?

I have returned to an old job and it worked out fine. I would just go for it and let your wife know that you thought the "grass would be greener on the other side" but it turned out to be brown. Just say you need the former job for your sanity.

I left my last job about 6 months ago on great terms. They were sad to see me go. I got a new job, hoping for a better experience, promotion opportunity, better pay... unfortunately I'm in the new job and even if I could move up, I don't want to (not here anyway) and the pay isn't better b/c of a drastic change in my benefits package, and I don't enjoy my co-workers. I tried to do my due diligence, but I have spent the past 5 months thinking I made a mistake.

Now my old job is hiring for a similar position that I just left. I want to go back, but my DW doesn't want me to... she's worried about the hour commute each way (I know, I know, that's nothing, but she doesn't see it that way).

I left in the first place because my old job was a bit boring. Now I'm experiencing a "I didn't know how good I had it syndrome."

So... should I try to go back? how do I explain this to my wife?