Anyone ever been 'courted' back to a previous employer?

I've had a few companies send cards/letters/etc. attempting to recruit me back after I'd parted ways with them, but I don't give them much thought. There was a REASON I left, and if that hadn't been addressed, why would I return? There was 1 job, that when they received the employment verification from a company I'd applied to, they brought me into the office and talked to me about what they could do to keep me. They did MOST of what we had discussed, but the run they said they were working on getting fell through and an hourly gig hauling logs came up so off I went. We parted ways on good terms (even got a ride home from the boss) and I got a good laugh a few years later when I looked at my DAC and it said my work history at the company had been exceptional, but I was ineligible for rehire due to "company policy". Oh well. They've since gone to e-logs, so it'd be against personal policy for me to go back to work for them.

 

North Carolina Truck Driver Training School asked me to return as an instructor of dock foremen and safety personnel. I replied that I had no experience for that and planned to continue as a driver.
When I applied to Chippewa Motor Freight, a former employer (Direct Transit Lines of Grand Rapids) invited me to talk with them about an entry level management job.
After I retired from South Shore Distribution, a former employer (South End Beverages) asked me to drive his motor home as he entertained friends. I told him that I can no longer work all night. He said, "Neither can I".

 

If you are able to "hammer out" the numbers and working conditions to your satisfaction, make sure part of the deal is a writen employment agreement.

This spells exactly what, when and how, your compensation, working conditions, and anything else your agreement may encompass, including minimum lengh of the job would be viable, 2, 3, or 5 year contract.

If the boss won't put in writing, then he's not serious.

 

If the pay is there I'd take it. If they had some office problems, just make sure the pay is worth it. You know exactly who you'd be getting back in bed with. Throw out a ridiculous offer and prepare to accept when they offer the real $$$.

One issue I see is the dispatcher called you. Probably only because his job was now difficult and he told the boss he was going to try and get you back. Boss doesn't seem to care either way from how you explained things.

I'd consider dealing with poor office staff, a bad boss, and doing some of the office work myself "part of the job" if I was paid accordingly.

 

i would throw out a really big number and see if it sticks. if not oh well

 

i learned the hard way about going back, the same philosophy and worse, was there when i went back, i'd say you can't know if it's a good choice unless you make the choice, there's an implied risk, have a contingency plan for risk taking,i'd say.....

 

WHS
If it's all about the money, throw a number at them and see if it sticks. OTOH, it appears you left for reasons other than financial considerations. If the Boss doesn't have the character to call and speak with you himself, the systemic issues that were present and caused your departure the last time, more than likely remain. It sounds to me like you should stay where you are.

 

Like Rachi said, if your happy where you currently are then stay there. Really look into why you left and see if those problems have been corrected, most likely they haven't but may be worth looking into. More money isn't going to equal happiness if the same BS is there.

The companies that have driver unload freight always lose drivers in the summer and pick back up in the fall / winter. Obviously you know how strenuous your old job was but if it involves being in the back of the trailer anywhere south of Maine thru about August I would just hold out where you are for a few more months. If your still looking for more money at that time then give your boss a ring.

 

I quit one place, because I didn't get along with the dispatcher, and one of the other drivers. A long time friend stayed.
He called me a few years later, and said that there had been changes, both my problems had left, and it was the old place again. And was I interested in coming back?
I went back, stayed about 5 years. Things were Ok, until the place got sold, and new management was horrible. Left a few month's later, but contacts from there helped me get set up to where I'm at now. Couldn't be better!
In your case, I'd probably stay where I'm at. The job sounds easier, and a lot less stressful.