Should have burned that bridge

[tractor]

I believe it's never good to burn bridges when you switch jobs, because you never know. I left my previous employer about three years ago after 20 years with them. I did not go to the competition, and started a new career path instead. As it turns out I still use my old employer as a subcontractor, and give them a steady flow of projects to work on. I like my new position, it's with a good company, and the pay is decent.

However, my old company wants me back, they call me at least once a month and say things like. "We never should have let you go (they didn't, it was my choice), we didn't appreciate all you did for us until you left, your welcome back anytime, etc". While it's nice to feel wanted and always have a backup plan, it's starting to get old. They just landed a huge contract, right in line with what I used to do for them, and they don't have anyone to manage it for them. Today they called and asked if I had a price, they are willing to pay six figures if I would come back to work for them. It's tempting, and they have gotten rid of some of the dead weight that drove me away, but I really like where I'm at. This would be a $30,000 raise.

It's starting to get tempting, but I just can't leave where I'm at (I really enjoy my new career). I guess I should have pissed them off so they would never think to call me again, decisions, decisions.. ..

I know, it's a first world problem, but I might need to be more direct with them if they keep bringing it up. Any suggestions?

[Deleted]

$30,0000 raise... Are you kidding?

Take the JOB!!!

[Deleted]

Maybe the reason they keep calling you is because you are giving them mixed signals?
If you're happy at the job you're at and you are okay financially, I would leave it alone, if I were you.

[Bonny]

What would be your price? $50k more? If so, let them know. If there's NO price then if you're really sure you need to let them know.

[moneymaven]

Jul 10, 2014 20:27:46 GMT -5 Bonny said:

What would be your price? $50k more? If so, let them know. If there's NO price then if you're really sure you need to let them know.

Agree with Bonny completely.

[Regis]

Sometimes you need to burn a bridge so it's impossible to retreat.

[kent]

If you love what you're doing, you'll never have to go to "work" again.

[Deleted]

Jul 10, 2014 21:34:24 GMT -5 Regis said:

Sometimes you need to burn a bridge so it's impossible to retreat.

I have said Try not to burn bridges but if you need to, scorch it!

30k is tough to turn down but if your happy at your current job and are in a good financial spot....

[Deleted]

I have always had a rule that to go back to anywhere I left there would have to be a 2.5X markup on my salary. That's just to make sure that I remember there were darn good reasons I left! I'd want blood money to return to be honest. 

[Baby Fawkes]

Jul 10, 2014 23:28:42 GMT -5 @aj said:

Jul 10, 2014 21:34:24 GMT -5 Regis said:

Sometimes you need to burn a bridge so it's impossible to retreat.

I have said Try not to burn bridges but if you need to, scorch it!

30k is tough to turn down but if your happy at your current job and are in a good financial spot....

There's a big difference between burning a bridge and being completely straight with them. Just like Bonny said, you should either give them a definite and firm No or let them know the real cost of getting you back. It's less pain on both sides and you basically get what you want either way. If they are prepared to match your number you get the money. If they aren't then you get eh peace without actually burning the bridge. They'll know not to bother if they can meet you number.

I had a situation a little over a year ago where I had a lot of head hunters interested in trying to find an opportunity. I didn't have the benefit of hindsight that I have now and ended up with 20+ recruiters all offering up similar positions. Eventually I clued in and told them realistically what it would take for me to move. Most of them realized that they didn't have a lead that was right, but a few stayes. In the end the recruiters that didn't have the right leads got to spend their time with better suited clients and I only had to work with 2 of them. Win-win in the end.

[tractor]

I'll try to fill in a couple of gaps ( I needed to get some sleep). When I worked for them, at one point I was offered a job at one of their competitors. They decided to make an offer to keep me and increased my salary by $20,000. Life was good, I billed/brought in over $250,000 for the company that year. After about nine months, they decided to cut back, and made across the board cuts of 20%, effectively eliminating the raise I had been given. It became clear to me that there were no guarantees in that field, and the owners were always going to pay themselves first.

So even if I went back, there is no guarantee how long they would pay me the elevated salary, and chances are they would make cuts again as soon as the big project was done. So while the money is tempting, it's not the only thing. I make more now than when I left three years ago, and I am in a very steady, guaranteed field (electric utility transmission). No more ups and downs.

[MarleyKeezy78]

If you are happy, stay  No amount of money is worth going back to something unstable and something you like less than your current job.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jul 11, 2014 7:19:40 GMT -5 tractor said:

I'll try to fill in a couple of gaps ( I needed to get some sleep). When I worked for them, at one point I was offered a job at one of their competitors. They decided to make an offer to keep me and increased my salary by $20,000. Life was good, I billed/brought in over $250,000 for the company that year. After about nine months, they decided to cut back, and made across the board cuts of 20%, effectively eliminating the raise I had been given. It became clear to me that there were no guarantees in that field, and the owners were always going to pay themselves first.

So even if I went back, there is no guarantee how long they would pay me the elevated salary, and chances are they would make cuts again as soon as the big project was done. So while the money is tempting, it's not the only thing. I make more now than when I left three years ago, and I am in a very steady, guaranteed field (electric utility transmission). No more ups and downs.

Is there a way to take a leave from your current job while you manage this big one for them?  A way to keep the current job AND get a big chunk of $$$ to play with?  Be a contract worker for this one contract? 

[tractor]

Beth,

That would be the best of both worlds kind of thing. Unfortunately, that would never work. My current position can not be filled on a temporary basis, they would have to figure something out if I needed medical leave, but that's different.

My old company is going to have to figure something out, there are good people out there who would love a job, they just find it easier to keep coming back to me because I'm a known quantity. They failed by not bringing in/training new talent, and pandered to all the old guys who are now gone. They are now dealing with the ramifications of driving out all their mid-level experienced work horses.

My new employer makes a point of bringing in new talent and growing the company from the bottom up, if I stay here I am in a good position to move to upper management within the next ten years.

[Miss Tequila]

I would go back for a 50% increase in my salary...but I'm driven by money

[Abby Normal]

I admit it.  I can be bought.  I'd probably consider it- especially if they got rid of some of the dead weight.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jul 11, 2014 8:59:04 GMT -5 tractor said:

Beth,

That would be the best of both worlds kind of thing. Unfortunately, that would never work. My current position can not be filled on a temporary basis, they would have to figure something out if I needed medical leave, but that's different.

My old company is going to have to figure something out, there are good people out there who would love a job, they just find it easier to keep coming back to me because I'm a known quantity. They failed by not bringing in/training new talent, and pandered to all the old guys who are now gone. They are now dealing with the ramifications of driving out all their mid-level experienced work horses.

My new employer makes a point of bringing in new talent and growing the company from the bottom up, if I stay here I am in a good position to move to upper management within the next ten years.

Yeah, wasn't sure on how that works for you.  It wouldn't fly for my job either. 

[Deleted]

The past is the past....let it die.

[kjto1]

OP, your updates confirmed what I was thinking would happen.  Poor planning on their part.  They had 3 years to replace you, and didn't see a need until this big client came along.  Now it is an emergency, and they know you could drop right in.  As soon as this client is over, they will lay off your position - I wouldn't trust them with the limited information you gave me.  Good luck - and keep us updated.

[tskeeter]

Jul 10, 2014 19:46:08 GMT -5 tractor said:

I believe it's never good to burn bridges when you switch jobs, because you never know. I left my previous employer about three years ago after 20 years with them. I did not go to the competition, and started a new career path instead. As it turns out I still use my old employer as a subcontractor, and give them a steady flow of projects to work on. I like my new position, it's with a good company, and the pay is decent.

However, my old company wants me back, they call me at least once a month and say things like. "We never should have let you go (they didn't, it was my choice), we didn't appreciate all you did for us until you left, your welcome back anytime, etc". While it's nice to feel wanted and always have a backup plan, it's starting to get old. They just landed a huge contract, right in line with what I used to do for them, and they don't have anyone to manage it for them. Today they called and asked if I had a price, they are willing to pay six figures if I would come back to work for them. It's tempting, and they have gotten rid of some of the dead weight that drove me away, but I really like where I'm at. This would be a $30,000 raise.

It's starting to get tempting, but I just can't leave where I'm at (I really enjoy my new career). I guess I should have pissed them off so they would never think to call me again, decisions, decisions.. ..

I know, it's a first world problem, but I might need to be more direct with them if they keep bringing it up. Any suggestions?

Feeling wanted is nice.

A big raise is nice.

But, what happens once the big project is done?  Do you return to being under appreciated and frustrated?

[lexxy703]

Jul 11, 2014 7:19:40 GMT -5 tractor said:

I'll try to fill in a couple of gaps ( I needed to get some sleep). When I worked for them, at one point I was offered a job at one of their competitors. They decided to make an offer to keep me and increased my salary by $20,000. Life was good, I billed/brought in over $250,000 for the company that year. After about nine months, they decided to cut back, and made across the board cuts of 20%, effectively eliminating the raise I had been given. It became clear to me that there were no guarantees in that field, and the owners were always going to pay themselves first.

So even if I went back, there is no guarantee how long they would pay me the elevated salary, and chances are they would make cuts again as soon as the big project was done. So while the money is tempting, it's not the only thing. I make more now than when I left three years ago, and I am in a very steady, guaranteed field (electric utility transmission). No more ups and downs.

Based on this I would not go back.  And since there is room to grow with your new company you are in a very good position.  I'd stay put.  You are happy with the job, the money is good & steady and there is opportunity for advancement.  Sounds like you are a lucky man. 

[kittensaver]

Maybe I missed something - is your "new company" yours? If it is, could you hire someone or take in a partner to help run it AND go back to the old company (more $$ for you, at least for a while)?

If they are hot for you because they landed a big contract, they could be just as hot to drop you if it goes away . . . so is there some way to "keep your fingers in both pies"?

ETA: never mind - I went back and read the op. You are with another company. . .

[Deleted]

If you decide to stay at your current company send the old one a link to a half hour special on YouTube at the end of which you tell them you are keeping your talents at your current company.

That will make sure they don't bother you again : )

[mcsangel2]

Based on your follow up, I would stay where you are, for sure. The next time Old Company calls you to try to entice you back, I would say no and politely explain (what you told us here, but nicely) that you won't be going back. Your current company sounds much better in every way.

[Artemis Windsong]

Employers are like relationships.  Once you are gone, stay gone.

[sesfw]

What would be your price? $50k more? If so, let them know. If there's NO price then if you're really sure you need to let them know.

Personally I wouldn't go back.  You might end up burning a bridge you really don't want to.

[Deleted]

I got recruited back hard for the first 2 years after I left my previous company.  I directly billed 450k a year and was responsible for another 250K a year in projects that other consultants executed on (technologies outside my skill set, but I landed the contract).  I was in the job just under 4 years, but already had 2 promotions and was offered a 3rd when I resigned..

The reason I left was inflexible - the weekly travel sucked.  No matter how much they offered me when I resigned or in the 10 other times they contacted me in the years after, they couldn't change the requirement to travel.

[Artemis Windsong]

Stash the big cash so a person has wiggle room in their decisions rather than the bank deciding where the loans are concerned.

[truthbound]

Jul 11, 2014 10:20:33 GMT -5 Abby Normal said:

I admit it.  I can be bought.  I'd probably consider it- especially if they got rid of some of the dead weight.

Exactly. 30k is 30k.