I have had the interesting experience of previous companies that I have worked for reach out for me to work for them again.
Part of it is flattering, and the other part is disappointing. Why did it take me leaving before they saw the value that I brought them? I have never gone back to a company I worked at before, but I am not opposed if it was a merger and acquisition which changes the company culture.
Why am I sharing this? I had this opportunity today. I responded and shared that I had worked for a company they acquired and then explained how I left because I have asthma and I got COVID-19 and that was really difficult for me. Getting COVID-19 a second time would lead to long term effects, and that why I have been WFH.
I was fully transparent with some feedback that a boss gave me as well. I don’t want to interview and hire me and then I am not a good culture fit. I gave her every reason to reject me, not because I want her to reject me, but because it is fair that they know the kind of employee they are getting. I also mentioned that some past coworkers would probably find working with me difficult again even though I was kind and professional since they never seemed to like my personality.
Which is fine. I am not everyone cup of tea. I will not put myself in a situation where I am not valued or grow. It is kind of silly. If I had stayed there I wouldn’t have been considered for this opportunity, but since I now have the experience from other companies I am attractive to them now. I could have learned and grown with them, but they didn’t want to buy me a $50 book. If their parent company is the same, I have no interest in repeating that experience.
This is not to complain or send a message to that hiring person. It is just that you have to be honest with others, because ultimately you have to live your decisions.