Always go with your gut.
Seriously.
Do not ignore the little voice in the back of your head, frantically urging you not to the take the new, big money job. Frantically encouraging you to stay right where you are, happy at a job for the first time in a very long while.
That voice? Is almost always right.
Because if you ignore your gut, you will spend the evening before starting your new job sobbing into your fiance’s sweatshirt, almost inconsolable, to the point that he is very concerned (and does not accept “I’m PMS-ing” as an excuse).
The next day, you will arrive at your job and you will try to give it a chance. You will attempt to fit in by bouncing ideas off of the group of alpha girls that sit in the corner and by sharing a late afternoon cookie break with your new boss, even though you are on a diet.
But something will feel…not right.
Omigod, you will think, stop being ridiculous. It’s only the first day.
But you know. You just do. In fact, you knew before you even started. Hence all that sobbing you did.
You’ll go to the company’s karaoke holiday party after your first day and will even get up and sing at the encouragement of a few members of your new team, because nothing says “you made the right choice in hiring me” like a rendition of “Oops I Did It Again.” You will end up drunk, in your bed, eating cold pasta and telling your fiance that you made a grave mistake. No, not about the karaoke - about taking the job.
The second day won’t really be any better. You’ll realize that despite the splashy title and the fat paycheck that this isn’t really the direction you wanted to go in and, truly, you knew it all along. You just chose to ignore yourself.
And then - because there’s that whole thing about raining and pouring and whatnot - you will receive a voicemail from your old boss. She will excitedly tell you about a new project she just signed on to and how she knows it puts you in an awkward position but she wants to offer you the position first, before she speaks to anyone else about it. It starts in February (you think: just enough time to claim that I gave this job a try!) and she’ll be able to offer the same salary that you are currently earning (you think: seriously, universe? Is this some sort of sick joke?) and an even splashier title (you think: ok, where’s Ashton Kutcher).
Before you know it, you have one foot out the door after having only just stepped in.
Really, this whole thing could’ve been avoided had you just listened to yourself. Had you just trusted that your instincts would lead you in the right direction.
And now you’re going to have to go through the uncomfortable process of quitting (which, ok fine, it’s TV and people come and go all the time but still! You are not a quitter!) a month into your new job and you see that bridge over there? It’s burning.
So, please, next time? Listen. to. the voice. Stop being so damn stubborn.
We all live and learn
yeah and that voice, definitely wiser than me. Good luck!
Maybe it was a good thing. It showed you how happy you really were at your old job, and it got you more money and a splashier title to boot!
Where’s the bad?
You know what? Just go with it. Things are always changing, as I probably have learned more than ever this week, and things happen for a reason. So, the current old job that will become new? Awesome. And who knows. Maybe in the next month, you’ll make a connection at the current new gig that you can expand on later in your career. It’s all about networking. Especially in entertainment fields.
Or, maybe this job (and salary) was necessary for the old employer to see your worth? And for your old boss to use as leverage to get you more money?
Congratulations on going back to where you are loved!
I agree with DS. You’re lucky you’ve gotten so many opportunities, and that even though this MAY seriously be a prank, it’s a damn good one.
Are you kidding me? You get it all! You are so lucky!
You made a tough financially (and health-care-illy) motivated decision, and when you realised it was wrong karma came around and said “You deserve it all - happiness and wealth”.
Considering your post before the “should I take it” post, was all about money woes, it was sensible to go where the money was. Now you can have your cake and eat it. The issue of quitting is a pain but… entirely worth it.
Oh, I’m so excited for you that you get to go back to the environment and the boss that you so clearly were all about!
I thought it was pretty gutsy and awesome of you to give up your old job because it was the right thing financially for you and M, and I think it’s equally gutsy and equally awesome for you to listen to the voice and do what makes you happy.
I think this was a good thing. Now you know that your old job was right for you, and you didn’t burn any bridges over there, and you tried something new, AND you got a big pay increase. You’re not a quitter, but you know to listen to your gut when it becomes really important.
Congrats on the new offer.
you did go in the right direction: you’re learning.
glad you get to go back to your old boss.
We are girls, Clinky, we never listen to our gut instincts.
But you know what? I think that had you not taken this job with the fat paycheck? You may not have ended up with the excellent offer your old boss just offered you. Just try to enjoy this new job as much as you can and get what you can out of it. Network as much as possible and you never know, you could end up really liking this new place! (especially now that you know you’ll be leaving for something you know is going to be awesome)
Congratulations on the new offer
OMG Clink!! That is so awesome! Congrats, congrats, congrats! : ) Trusting the gut only takes us so far sometimes, but you were on the money this time around…glad your old company realized what you are worth!
Wow! You must have been a REALLLLY good person in a previous life!! Take the job from the old boss in February and don’t look back. Living and learning. It’s all part of the process.
maybe you wouldn’t have been offered the better position with the higher salary at the job you love though. sometimes things happen for a reason! i’m glad it’s going to work out for you though, you deserve it
print this out and show it to your old/new boss.
Think this would work if i offered someone we know more money and a fancy title? Only i can’t do that. ugh.
What great news about your old boss offering you the new position! Seems like it turned out well after all, don’t feel bad!
I’m sorry about the sobbing after work.
I’ve sorta been there. I quit after ONE DAY. I just care that much more for my sanity than I do about being called a quitter. The good news is it all works out for you. Just trust in the great everythinghappensforareason. Congratulations on the offer! It’s going to be fantastic working with your old boss again.
I agree with what others have said…this ‘new’ opportunity probably wouldn’t have come with all the extra perks had it not been for where you are now and the decision you made. It all fits together somehow…sometimes we just don’t see it at first. Congrats on the new offer, and good luck with departing gracefully!
I am SOOO sorry you cried sweetie. But you HAD to take this job, so that you wouldn’t wonder about it in the future. Had you not taken it, it would have gnawed at you in the back of your head. Seriously. And so you know you aren’t alone… I quit my first entertainment job after 1 month, second one after 2.5 months and 3rd one after 364 days. Exactly.
And every single moment was worth it because I never wondered “what if?” and it gave me a basis for comparison so that I fully appreciate the wonderful career I have today. Hugs to you m’dear and email me if you need anything.
And duh, CONGRATULATIONS!
Oh that’s SO terrific that you can go back! I’m starting a new job in Jan… kinda nervous. There’s so much than can make a work place not fun. Sigh.
ahhh oh my gosh, what a yo-yo of a month for you!! but at least you’ve got an out!! it’s awesome your old boss thought of you. for every door closed, another one opens!! and here’s your door, and clearly, your calling! go for it girl!
I maintain that it’s best to get out of any uncomfortable situation as fast as you can. And your gut knew that this new job was not the right fit. And you, my dear, deserve very good things, so no need for all of the questions. Congratulations!
I’m oddly enough in the same predicament, and while everyone hates quitting, I’ve learned you’ve got to do what’s best for your sanity, because paychecks are never enough to cover that.
Congratulations on it all working out!
I’m going through a similar process. I left my job of 5 years at the end of August for a new job, and I’m going back there in January. I got more money, better benefits, and a verbal and written agreement to work with my travel constraints. It’s really tough, though. But, in the long run, I think (hope) that I’ll be happier there and I’ll have more money. So while it’s ridiculously hard, and quitting jobs in such a short period of time goes against everything we know about jobs and resumes, it’s for the best. And ultimately, it’s about what’s going to make you happiest.
G’luck with your new old job.
Not such a big deal, Clink.
See, the universe has already corrected your path. 
Sometimes you have to go through the bad to get to the good. You’re not always going to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel unless you go through that tunnel.
I felt like waxing philosophical today…how’d I do?
I agree with what everyone else has said so far. Congrats on the new (old) job, and good luck at the current job in the meantime!!
It all happened for a reason, believe it. I’m glad things worked out for the better. Although I do understand the feeling of doubting your gut. When will we learn?
Live and learn! Besides, who’s to say that if you had stayed, that this new position with your old boss would have even come your way! I wouldn’t worry too much about quitting at the current job. It’s whatever! Do what makes you happy. At least you know from now on to always follow your gut. CONGRATS!
I ignored the little voice six months ago and am still stuck. It’s horrendous. You are very lucky to have a former boss who values you to the degree she does - take that opportunity with both hands!
Lesson learned. And you are awesome. The end.
Aw. I’m sorry. I was all ‘take the job!!!’ but I should have just said ‘trust your gut.’ Anyway, lesson learned. And also, what a blessing to have the offer from your old boss to fall back on. Everything happens for a reason and whatnot.
I agree with kwarterlifecrisis, because I was all TAKE THE MONEY!!! But remember, at the time your old boss said she couldn’t match the new salary. So maybe your leaving got things rolling. I hope the month at the ick job isn’t so icky. And try and stay away from “bonding” cookie eating. Your fabu bridal dress will reward you for it.
I think this actually sounds like a really great story! I mean, you’re kind of winning all the way around. You get to go back to the awesome job, only now with an awesome-er title and paycheck. Who knows if this would have happened if you hadn’t made the jump to the new job. You know the old saying about having to move out to move up.
Don’t dwell on the “poor decision” - focus on the fact that you are ultimately getting what you want in the end!
Ohhhh EMMM GEE!! That’s so awesome!!
Yah, I understand you are feeling a little guilty. But come on! You can be selfish once in a while. It’s better for them to have a happy employee. And if you know you would be unhappy there, and you have a better opportunity, take it. Good luck, and CONGRATS!!
That’s awesome that its working out for you- that you will get to go back to your old job after giving this one a good chance. Follow your gut.
Okay, really? Seriously? This sounds like a scene from that craptastic Lindsay Lohan movie (which I may or may not be lurking in the background of, *cough*), “Just My Luck.”
You leave a job you love. You don’t like your new job. And almost immediately your old, beloved boss calls you and offers you a new position at job you like, for the same amount of money that tempted you away in the first place?
Forgive me, but complaining is not allowed. Care to share a little o’ that luck with the rest of us?
ditto everything molly said. Plus that’s fucking awesome that you get to go back to the job you loved. Karma is most definitely working in your favor! Feb. will be here before you know it.
yeah it’s that stupid hindsight thing….such a bitch.
but as they’ve all said - live, learn, whatev. hooray for good job back w/more money!
here’s to everything working out the way it’s supposed to.
karma has rewarded you. listen to your gut.
things happen for a reason. RUN, woman. RUN. your life should not be the movie mean girls. you took a chance, and it dint work out.
you live, you learn, you move on. now go, you deserve it.
xoxo
(PS MAJOR props for the brit brit song. that is my go-to karaoke tune. seriously. its the best.)
that is great clink! maybe our guts should have a more nagging presence, but then again when would we learn our lessons? of course that kind of story only happens in the real world not the world of non profits!!
I’m not seeing the bad here… my only reaction was YAY!
Did I miss something?
i’m really happy for you about your new old job!!!
and about quitting…at least you have a month to come up with a good story? i dunno…i got nothin’.
I agree with most of what everyone has said - sometimes you have to go through the bad to get to/understand the good, we should all learn to trust our guts, it’s wonderful that your old boss is taking you back, etc.
But I would just like to add this little career advice I was given when I switched jobs last - the best way to progress through a career is the vertical job move, not the lateral job move. Often, if you stay with the same company, you’re just moving laterally. So you frequently have to switch organizations to make that vertical career trajectory. Now that you’ve attained that higher position, it’s easier to go back to the old job and get the same - laterally speaking - position you have at your new employer. So really, although your gut is right and you’re not enjoying the new position as much, you actually made a very sage career decision. And now, getting to return to the old boss - the world is just coming up roses for you! Congrats!
RE: Your comment.
Okay seriously, the crazy doesn’t ALWAYS show up, at least always enough to take over my mind and make me think stupid, irrational things.
I’m hoping I can shut mine up with some cheese. Or brownies? (My thighs are screaming NOO!) Okay, Brownies it is!
Meh.
At least you got an offer to go back and you can’t regret the road not taken. See? It all works out, whether you listen to the voice or not ;).
I’m very happy to hear that your old boss is offering you a job back. You loved being there! I’ve been in your shoes and the higher paying job had me crying in the shower at 7am most mornings because I hated the thought of even being there.
I wish you the best dear
MAYBE, one time, i quit my job for a raise and promotion.
then, MAYBE, less than two weeks in i realized i HATED every single living breathing minute of the new job and the suckass people who i had to deal with.
then, MAYBE i went back to my old boss just two weeks into the new job with tail between legs and asked, if maybe, that position that JUST opened up, COULD I HAVE IT?
and MIRACULOUSLY, again MAYBE, he said, yes of course.
and i went back. and lived happily ever after.
DEFINITELY? i laugh about it now.
and also? still in touch with said boss. one of my major mentors in life & work thus far :):)
At least this is something you can learn from, but then again, you probably already figured that one out.
First of all congrats on the job offer from your former boss - it just proves how invaluable you are to her and you should be very proud of yourself. Second - definitely go with your gut and it sounds like you want to get the hell out of doge and go back to your old company - go for it - look at it as a growth spurt that you needed to go through…it’s okay..you’re not a quitter..it’s called growth
Hang in there, Clink!
Congrats and getting it all worked out. I guess you have to live it to learn it. I know that one for sure.
Sometimes, though, it takes leaving a job for that place to recognize what an asset you were. Had you stayed, that position might not have been offered to you. So, don’t knock yourself for taking this intermediary step … you just might have done the right thing after all! Hooray for a great new opportunity!
Ahh! I didn’t really follow along with your job change (as this was when I wasn’t really following anyone’s blog), but I totally understand where you are coming from. Following you gut is ultimately the best way to go (women’s intuition is a smart cookie), but we never really realize until it’s too late.
Glad you realized what you want in the end, even if it seems like it’s too late. I don’t think I could handle working in TV.
Hmmm… I don’t think you made the wrong choice to jump for the big-paycheck job. I mean, otherwise, I don’t think you would realize what you need and what works for you job-wise, and I seriously doubt that your old boss would offer you this spectacular opportunity with the nicer title at the new higher compensation. It might be an uncomfortable 2-3 months at this new job, but it’ll be an experience either way. Anyway, just my meddling two cents.
Happy holidays (and an early congrats), Clink!
But everything looks perfect from far away
I agree with most of the posts here. You should try to look at it in a positive light… it seems to me like you live a charmed life!
I signed on for a (graphic design) job that will start next year. The minute I sent off the email I decided it would be a disaster. Then I thought, I can still quit in the first month if I’m not happy with it.
Enjoy and go with the flow, Clink
And have a happy holiday, I know you will!
The roller coaster, maybe it had to happen to get where you are going. Which sounds like someplace fabulous.
Can’t wait to hear where it all takes you! And can’t wait to hear about what you bake this week!
I know it’s an old post and I’m resurrecting the post but I only just found your blog and I totally get this - any time I ignore my instinct things go wrong. And now I’m so scared of ignoring the instinct that will lead me right, I second guess it and always ALWAYS make the wrong choice. Maybe it’s just my whole ‘grass is greener’ dealio, but I seriously swear, no matter what happens my first instinct is right and I never manage to follow it!