Dear Nitin:

This month I received several questions that essentially asked the same thing you did: If I leave a company and then realize I like my old employer better, can I go back? The answer is a definite maybe. Here's why:

Some employers will welcome you back, especially if you have specific skills they need. Even if you don't have such "in-demand" assets, many companies know that since they trained you and you know their culture, you would fit right back in. You would also serve as a morale booster, letting other employees know that the grass is not greener on the other side.

However, many employers have a closed door policy: if you leave, you can never come back. Why? Well, some are just foolishly rigid and defensive. But others have found that people who come back often leave again, because the problems that drove them away are waiting to bite them when they come back.

This is kind of like a spouse who is unfaithful: most ask to come back home. Some are truly repentant and never stray again. Others soon go back on the prowl because they were genuinely unhappy in the marriage, or because they are the kind of person who can't stay faithful.

So, before you approach your old employer and explain how loyal you will be and how easily you will fit back in, be sure that this is true. Remember why you left. Were there aspects of the job or company that you could not stand? If so, are they still there, waiting to drive you away again? On the other hand, if you were seduced away by glittering promises and a sexy raise that turned out not to compensate for the distress of "leaving home," ask to come back, but be sure that you will not chafe again if your old employer can not meet your new salary.

The Career Doctor