Returning to a Former Company

Returning to a former company can be intimidating. Whether you've been gone for a year or a decade, the process can be both fun and awkward. By preparing for inevitable challenges, you can ease the transition and reduce discomfort for everyone involved.

Prepare for Questions

Your return to a former company is likely to prompt questions about why you left in the first place, what you've been doing while you were gone and why you decided to come back. Colleagues who cannot exercise polite restraint may ask you directly or wonder about it to themselves. The easiest way to quell the gossip and speculation is to address the issue immediately. Plan what you're going to say in advance, aiming for an explanation that is honest and positive. When questions arise, you can answer quickly and confidently.

Embrace Your New Role

One of the biggest challenges of coming back to a former company is getting old colleagues to see you in a new light. Speed this transition by embracing the position and its responsibilities from the start. Create visual proof that you're older and wiser by bumping up your work-wardrobe sophistication and adopting a confident attitude. Demonstrate your abilities and prove that you're an impressive hire by asking thoughtful questions and going above and beyond on your first projects. Making a conscious effort to set the tone and expectations from day one can make it easier for other employees to accept your new position.

Take Time to Observe

Chances are, your former company has changed in your absence. The culture, operations, relationships and power structure might be completely different, making it impossible for you to jump back into your old patterns. Avoid gaffes and awkward situations by taking time to observe. Figure out how old friends have changed, identify power players and note new cultural norms. This mental map makes it easier to work effectively and build strong relationships in the new office ecosystem.

Use Your Experience

Once you have a sense of your new role and the office culture, it's time to start bringing your experience to the table. Identify what you learned during the time away from your former company, and apply that insight to your new job. Bring up innovative ideas in meetings, for example, or take the initiative to revamp the systems within your purview. Proceed carefully when it comes to established norms and procedures — too many changes in a short time can give you an air of superiority and cause you to step on colleagues' toes.

"Boomeranging" back to a former company can be an exciting opportunity for career development, but it can also involve a certain level of discomfort for your old colleagues and bosses. With a respectful, careful approach, you can reintegrate into the company in a new capacity with minimal disruption.

Photo courtesy of thetaxhaven at Flickr.com