Going back to your old firm? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I accepted an offer and started working at a firm for about 1.5 weeks. I had to resign because I had another offer at a larger firm for 20K more money. I had good rapport w all my supervising partners. They were sad to see me go but waa gracious and understanding.

Fast forward 5 months and I am miserable at my new firm. My boss is insanely mean and nasty. I need to gtfo. This lateral move is really moving slowly. I am willing to go back to my old firm and take a paycut. Is this a bad move?

[trebekismyhero]

I accepted an offer and started working at a firm for about 1.5 weeks. I had to resign because I had another offer at a larger firm for 20K more money. I had good rapport w all my supervising partners. They were sad to see me go but waa gracious and understanding.

Fast forward 5 months and I am miserable at my new firm. My boss is insanely mean and nasty. I need to gtfo. This lateral move is really moving slowly. I am willing to go back to my old firm and take a paycut. Is this a bad move?

You were at a firm for 1.5 weeks and left and you want to go back after 5 months? I feel like there is no way that happens unless you meant 1.5 years and even then idk

[RaceJudicata]

Beg for forgiveness and see what happens. Doubt they'll take you back, but won't know until you try.

[Anonymous User]

If I let them know I will stay for a year minimum, will that work? I left on as good a term as I can, very respectfully and profusely apologizing. The partners all wished me well and thanked me for leaving after a week rather than 6 months because they were still interviewing ppl.

I made friends with an associate there who worked for the same bosses. I dont want to ask him to gauge the firm's interests unless my plan makes sense and is it not in bad taste.

[LockBox]

I'm having trouble seeing the downside asking your friend who is an associate at the firm to gauge their interest. Just apply there, and elsewhere, and see what happens. Simple.

[ClubberLang]

No way they'd take you back. You will have solidified your status as a flake by flaking on the second place after 5 months. You should try and make it work where you are at now.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Practically speaking, if they were fine with you leaving because hey were still interviewing, they probably filled your position already.

[Anonymous User]

Practically speaking, if they were fine with you leaving because hey were still interviewing, they probably filled your position already.

Whoever came after me put in a 2 week notice last week if that changes things.

[Anonymous User]

No way they'd take you back. You will have solidified your status as a flake by flaking on the second place after 5 months. You should try and make it work where you are at now.

Well I am also unflaking by coming back. Dont most associates try different firms before setting somewhere long-term?

[bk1]

Is it a good idea to move this frequently? Probably not. But if you're actually miserable I don't see why you wouldn't at least try (the worst they can say is no). I'd also apply to other places too and be careful about where you go next.

[Npret]

No way they'd take you back. You will have solidified your status as a flake by flaking on the second place after 5 months. You should try and make it work where you are at now.

Well I am also unflaking by coming back. Dont most associates try different firms before setting somewhere long-term?

You can't "unflake."
Give it a shot by saying you heard that x person is leaving and you regret your earlier move.
Try to come up with some reason why the first firm is a better fit without trashing or saying anything negative about the second firm.
I wouldn't take you back but maybe they will because they know you and it can save them some time.
I wouldn't go in promising to stay a year though, you need to make it sound like you are with firm 1 ride or die or whatever.

Also,no. I've never known someone who left a firm after 1 1/2 weeks much less someone who tried to return. I don't know what you have to lose by asking.

[homestyle28]

For all the flakiness implied here, it happens a fair bit. You'd have to have a pretty compelling answer as to why you won't leave the next time $20k raise comes around though

[zhenders]

Promising them that you'll stay on for at least a year basically signals that you consider staying at a job for one year to be a long time, and somehow indicative of commitment. It's not. Don't say that. It makes you sound like you're a natural flake and that you don't even recognize your own flakiness. Which I think might actually be the case?

[Anonymous User]

Yea regardless of the reason, switching firms is flakey. Maybe I am. Having said that, my boss is objectively insane/crazy. I realized money isnt as important to me than I thought. I just want to be content and mentally healthy.

[zot1]

When you go back to your old firm, ask them to match the extra $20k.

[elendinel]

The problem isn't that switching firms in and of itself is flaky; it's that three moves in the span of six months is super flaky.

Be prepared to spend at least two years wherever you end up next (ideally longer given your history so far). So don't just run to some random firm/run back to a firm you dropped like a hot coal for more money. Make absolutely sure your next move is to a place where you won't bolt in a few weeks.

Or don't, but then understand that it's going to be hard to find job #4 if no one wants a half year employee.