Should I go back to my old employer?

When boomerangs work. You left for a specific reason that's now resolved (manager left, structure changed, role exists that didn't before). You've grown materially elsewhere. The new role is at a higher level or different scope. Compensation is reset to current market.

When boomerangs fail. Returning to the same team, same manager, same role — usually fails within 12 months. Returning because the new place wasn't great — 'going home' rarely works long-term. Returning at the same compensation you left with — sets up immediate dissatisfaction.

Negotiating leverage. Returning candidates have stronger leverage than first-time hires. Compensation typically lands 10-20% above the equivalent external offer because the employer trusts your performance and saves onboarding cost. Use this.

What former colleagues will think. Be ready for it. Some are glad you're back. Some are quietly suspicious of your judgement. Some probe to confirm you didn't fail elsewhere. Have a clear, confident framing: 'I went away because of X; I'm coming back because of Y; the role I'm doing now didn't exist when I left.'

Reputation risk. Boomerang once is fine. Boomerang twice signals indecision. UK recruitment networks track this — candidates who've boomeranged multiple times struggle to get senior offers because the pattern signals risk. If you boomerang once, it should be a deliberate strategic move with a clear narrative.