I'm returning to work after taking time off. Is it better to go back to my old employer or try something new?
Maynard Webb
Founder, Webb Investment Network; Author ‘Dear Founder’; Board member Visa and Salesforce.
Q: I’m returning from a leave of absence and deciding whether to go back to the same amazing company in a new role or take on a different opportunity outside of the company. What's the better move?
-Senior exec at Fortune 500 company pondering their future
Dear Senior Exec,
This really comes down to doing an assessment of what you want to do. Hopefully you were able to gain perspective in your time away. Sometimes when people leave, they realize that it’s not always better on the other side. What did you learn?
领英推荐
It sounds as if you’ve built a great career—you’re a senior exec at an amazing company. What’s your ultimate goal? Do you want to run a division or an org? Do you want to be one of the leaders of exec staff? Do you want to be the CEO?
Sometimes people over index on the new and unknown, imagining it to be all upside. Once, when I left a great and established company for a late-stage startup, I missed the depth of talent and resources of my previous employer. I've also learned that there could be ample opportunity continuing at a place you already know. Think of it like the best marriages. Those are the ones people work on every day to make better. Oftentimes the work that you put in to optimize something turns out to be more rewarding than what you can dream up, but may not really exist.
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Every week I respond to a new question. Ask me your question in the comments section.
Reopening Specialist(Manufacturing) at PM-Technical Services
11 个月Convert Your Passion into Profession! Perry MISTRY PM Associates!
Experienced technology innovator/leader, I've built products for small, medium, and large companies, using a mix of insight, process innovation, and a passion for operational excellence
11 个月I like to emphasize trying new things in your career, for personal skill building, network growth. As a hiring manager, I don't like job hoppers, but I do like people that have put themselves in new places occasionally. So in this case, I would suggest testing the waters at new places, getting feedback, and if there isn't interest, then go back to the old place, but perhaps look for a new opportunity there.
?International CMO ? McCann ? FCB ? Strategy ? Advertising ? Marketing ? Media ? Award-Winning Creative ? High-stakes Negotiations ? Company Launch ? Team Leadership ? Startups ? Branding ? Digital ? Direct
11 个月That is the kind of question that can only be answered by "duh!"... if you left on good terms, go see your old employer. If they don't have room for you, you'll get referrals. If you left on bad terms, then don't go see them. Duh.