Sometimes you need to move backwards in order to move forward

Starting at the beginning

I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a while, but I was waiting for the right time. When I first started as a website developer, I landed my first job, which I expected to be a junior role. It was at a junior salary, but they were looking for someone a mid to senior developer.

This certainly didn’t come across in their job ad, and during my interview, I must have come across as a stronger developer than I was. However, they knew I came out of college and worked as a cashier, and they knew this was my first rodeo as a professional developer. Long story short, I lasted three weeks and struggled the whole time. During the third week, they could see I was working and had to let me go. It was absolutely heartbreaking, but I was able to go back to my old job as a cashier.

I turned up to my old job and explained to my manager that it didn’t work out. I asked if I could come back, and he was more than happy to employ me once again. After around six months, I tried again at another company, where I could then move forward. Since then, I have been working as a developer, and I’ve now been in the game for around eight years.

A more recent example of going backwards

Something similar also happened recently. I left a position for a new one because I felt like I needed a change. My employer at the time was sad to see me go, but they said they would love to have me back in the future. I then began my new position, and after a couple of months, I decided it wasn’t for me. I left and started looking elsewhere. On the off chance, I could go back to my old job. I messaged my previous manager.

After some back and forth and rearranging my rate, they were happy to have me back. I’m now working at my previous position and so glad to be back. The new job just wasn’t for me, and it’s great that the door remained open. For now, I’m happy to stay for a longer time, and who knows what might happen in the future?

Don’t be afraid to move backwards

If you’re in a similar boat where you find your current job isn’t for you. Maybe you can look back at a previous employer and ask if they will have you back. You never know what might happen, and it’s not shameful to go back to a workplace prior, especially if you made a special connection and a few friends.