Weighing the Pros and Cons of Returning to a Former Employer After a Layoff: A Gen X Perspective

There’s no sugarcoating it – getting laid off sucks. ?It can feel like a gut punch at any stage of your career, but for Gen Xers, it can hit even harder.

Beyond the usual worries—financial uncertainty, emotional stress, and fear of the unknown—there’s also the added anxiety of ageism. Thoughts like, “Will anyone hire me at this age?” can easily develop into a doom spiral of emotions.

As you navigate the layoff landscape, a nagging question might linger: “Should I go back to the company that let me go?”

So let’s dive into the pros and cons of returning to an employer who laid you off.

PROS

No Surprises: You’re already familiar with the company culture, structure, workflows, and expectations.

Financial Relief: An immediate return to a steady paycheck can be a lifesaver, especially if your severance has run out.

The People: Working with colleagues you know versus working with complete strangers can be a relief.

Opportunity: The new role might offer challenges and skills growth opportunities your previous position didn’t.

Less Stress: No more worrying about applications, interviews, ageism, and the unknown.

CONS

Lack of Stability: If the factors that led to the layoffs haven’t changed, there’s a risk you could face another layoff.

Loss of Seniority: Not all employers will restore your previous level of seniority, which could mean less PTO and a higher risk of being let go in the next round.

Low Morale: After significant layoffs, company morale can take a nosedive, and it might take a long time to recover.

Negative Perception: Some people might view your return as a sign of desperation, and may go so far as to question your competence or self-worth.

Missed Opportunities: Returning may prevent you from exploring even better opportunities with other employers.

Work Overload: Once the dust settles, the remaining employees often end up shouldering more responsibilities, which can lead to burnout.

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Additional Factors to Consider:

The Reason for Layoffs: What caused the layoffs? Is the company on shaky ground, or was it a one-off event? Understanding this can help gauge the risk of it happening again.

Changes in the Company: Has there been a change in leadership or a shift in company direction since your layoff?

Your Career Goals: Does the new role align with your long-term career aspirations?

Salary Considerations: Will you have to take a pay cut to return? This is, unfortunately, common, especially if financial issues led to the layoffs.

Loyalty to a Fault?: If you spent the last 7+ years with your former employer, you might be underpaid compared to your peers. This is a perfect time to reassess your value in the market and make sure you’re being compensated fairly.

Ultimately, deciding whether to go back to a company that laid you off is a personal choice with a lot of factors to consider. Think about the pros and cons, how the company has changed, and where you want your career to go next.

For Gen Xers, this decision can be even more layered, with concerns about ageism and career stability front and center. But no matter what you choose—returning or exploring new paths—what matters most is moving forward with confidence. Make sure whatever decision you make aligns with what’s best for your future and gives you the peace of mind you deserve.

Contributing Gen X Nation Author: Sarah Blankenship

About the Author: Sarah Blankenship is Career Consultant and also the founder of Gen X Nation. Contact Sarah for 1v1 Career Consultations or to ask how you can contribute to the Gen X community.

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