Should I go back or what should I do?

Forever Hopeful

Hi,
A little background. I was in a company for nearly 10 years where I got to a senior level. I really enjoyed it and knew how to do the job like the back of my hand. Unfortunately they had to layoff a lot of staff and I took redundancy. I welcomed the change and after 6 months of unemployment I got a role with a company that was very different to what I was used to.
First off I was more junior, (I was used to being a certain grade level), it wasn't as professional as I was used to. There was no such thing as deadlines etc and I never got the sense they were interested in my skillset even though they kept saying they wanted to mature as a company. It was a very social company and I made a lot of friends. I didn't feel happy there. I knew after a year I wanted out. 6 months after that I decided to start interviewing. I had interviewed a few months after being let go for a job that was similar to the 10 yr role and when I didn't get it I was disappointed and I took the more junior role instead.
A role came up in that company (that I got declined for) again and I went for the interview. I got the job and was beside myself with joy. Finally I could apply my skills. When I resigned, the other crowd went nuts offering me all sorts of titles/change in reporting lines, tried to talk me out for weeks but I wouldn't back down.
I started the new job and for the first while it went ok until I realised I wasn't doing what I was hired to do. They brought in vendors to do what I wanted and had me do a different role. A role that isn't my strong suit. I've been there 10 months now and not much has changed. (my mgr told me they are hiring someone to do this job and I will get to do the role I was hired for). I work 10-12 hour days, I'm stressed all the time as its highly pressurised, I was throwing up all day yesterday and the thought of going in there tomorrow is too much for me. I heard recently that the previous company said they missed me and there are times I would love to go back but I feel that after making such a song and dance about how they weren't ready for me, I'd feel weird about going back.
I am so miserable in this job. I know there are people out there who would love to be working but this is beginning to affect my health. What should I do? I don't want to be seen as a job jumper either.
Thanks for any advice you have to offer

Mrs OBumble

Forever Hopeful wrote: »

I work 10-12 hour days, I'm stressed all the time as its highly pressurised, I was throwing up all day yesterday and the thought of going in there tomorrow is too much for me. ... this is beginning to affect my health. What should I do?

In the short term, you need to see your doctor: what you're experiencing ISN'T normal, and could have long term consequences if you don't get it sorted. Or you could have some other problem that the work-stress is masking. Only a health professional can help you work this out.

Quite possibly the doctor will sign you off sick for a couple of weeks, which should be time to clear your head a bit.

And you need to sort out those hours: if you're working a 5 day week, then what you're doing is illegal, and for good reason (health point, as above).

ANXIOUS

I would go back to the previous company, i would meet with them and explain your reservations and see what they can do.

Your health is worth way more than, any job.

edellc

You left the company for a reason and the only reason you feel like you wish you could go back is because of the situation you now find yourself in. That is not a reason to go back speaking from experience I did that and within a couple of weeks I realised why I had left in the first place NEVER GO BACK life is about going forward not backwards.

Your new job sucks I get that so now its time to put the feelers out there for something else start interviewing again. A job is what you make it, why are you working 10/12 hour days do your contracted hours if the work cant get done in that time its the companies mismanagement of staff not your problem.

It is a job pure and simple something to do between 9 and 5 it doesnt define you it pays for your life thats all, the people you work with are just that people you work with not friends not family just people, leave them at the front door when you leave and smile and nod while your there, all while sending your cv off for your next position.

It may take a little while but you will find what your looking for and you will find fullfillness and happiness again,

peace and love

boobar

Forever Hopeful wrote: »

Hi,
A little background. I was in a company for nearly 10 years where I got to a senior level. I really enjoyed it and knew how to do the job like the back of my hand. Unfortunately they had to layoff a lot of staff and I took redundancy. I welcomed the change and after 6 months of unemployment I got a role with a company that was very different to what I was used to.
First off I was more junior, (I was used to being a certain grade level), it wasn't as professional as I was used to. There was no such thing as deadlines etc and I never got the sense they were interested in my skillset even though they kept saying they wanted to mature as a company. It was a very social company and I made a lot of friends. I didn't feel happy there. I knew after a year I wanted out. 6 months after that I decided to start interviewing. I had interviewed a few months after being let go for a job that was similar to the 10 yr role and when I didn't get it I was disappointed and I took the more junior role instead.
A role came up in that company (that I got declined for) again and I went for the interview. I got the job and was beside myself with joy. Finally I could apply my skills. When I resigned, the other crowd went nuts offering me all sorts of titles/change in reporting lines, tried to talk me out for weeks but I wouldn't back down.
I started the new job and for the first while it went ok until I realised I wasn't doing what I was hired to do. They brought in vendors to do what I wanted and had me do a different role. A role that isn't my strong suit. I've been there 10 months now and not much has changed. (my mgr told me they are hiring someone to do this job and I will get to do the role I was hired for). I work 10-12 hour days, I'm stressed all the time as its highly pressurised, I was throwing up all day yesterday and the thought of going in there tomorrow is too much for me. I heard recently that the previous company said they missed me and there are times I would love to go back but I feel that after making such a song and dance about how they weren't ready for me, I'd feel weird about going back.
I am so miserable in this job. I know there are people out there who would love to be working but this is beginning to affect my health. What should I do? I don't want to be seen as a job jumper either.
Thanks for any advice you have to offer

First of all your health is the most important thing, and you need to focus on that.

Secondly, you seem to be very sure of the job that you want and from reading your post, it seems (and I could be wrong here) that you're working in a specialist area and you have the skills to get other jobs.

My point being, you don't have to just choose between your current job and your old, you could look for other jobs with other companies. Cut back on your hours, 12 hours in nuts, limit to 8 hours, use your free time to research vacancies and network so that you can get a job that suits you better.

Best of luck to you.

Forever Hopeful

Thanks to everyone who has replied. I've just put own two 12 hour days and I am exhausted. I tried to talk to my boss about it but I don't think he got it. I've about 8 hours of meetings, many overlapping and then it gets to 6/7 and that's when I get to do stuff.
Its all consuming and I am tired.
Strange thing is, I feel like I am disorganised and not on top of things but then I realise how can I be when i'm overloaded. If I was to stay on top of things, I'd be working weekends etc. I've 10 months down and I think its time to change. I already have long tenure so employers know I stay...I'm not a job jumper. I'd love to go back but as someone mentioned, its probably not a good idea as the reasons haven't changed.
Thanks again everyone, its good to hear outside opinions

boobar

Forever Hopeful wrote: »

Thanks to everyone who has replied. I've just put own two 12 hour days and I am exhausted. I tried to talk to my boss about it but I don't think he got it. I've about 8 hours of meetings, many overlapping and then it gets to 6/7 and that's when I get to do stuff.
Its all consuming and I am tired.
Strange thing is, I feel like I am disorganised and not on top of things but then I realise how can I be when i'm overloaded. If I was to stay on top of things, I'd be working weekends etc. I've 10 months down and I think its time to change. I already have long tenure so employers know I stay...I'm not a job jumper. I'd love to go back but as someone mentioned, its probably not a good idea as the reasons haven't changed.
Thanks again everyone, its good to hear outside opinions

Best of luck to you OP,

One word of advice, ask your boss to prioritise your work and explain that you'll complete as much of the priorities in your contracted hours.

Look after your health and best of luck with finding a job that appeals with a better work/life balance.