Returning to a former employer may be common enough to earn its own name, “boomerang employment,” but new survey results reveal it’s far from a one-size-fits-all career move. According to the Boomerang Jobs report from MyPerfectResume, a resume-building service, attitudes toward returning to a former employer vary widely. For some, it’s a smart strategy; for others, it’s a step backward.
“Returning to a past employer is less of a sweeping trend and more of a personal calculation,” said Dr. Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectResume. “The decision depends not only on pay and benefits, but also on trust, reputation, and how workers view their own career momentum.”
Key Findings:
- 55% say returning to a former employer is a smart career move, but 37% see it as “playing it safe.”
- 67% would consider going back if leadership had changed, and 67% cite better work-life balance as a key factor
- Only 25% would return for career growth, and just 11% say remote work would influence their decision
- 19% say “bad memories” alone would stop them from returning
- 65% worry about workplace politics, and 46% fear burnout would resurface
- 98% say leaving on good terms matters, and 71% say respectful outreach improves employer reputation
A Divided Reputation
- 55% of workers say returning to a past employer is a smart career move.
- 37% call it “playing it safe.”
- 5% view it as a sign of failure.
Motivators: Why Some Would Go Back
- 67% say they would consider returning if leadership had changed.
- 67% also cite improved work–life balance as a motivator.
- 25% would return for career growth opportunities.
- Just 11% say remote or hybrid work options would be a deciding factor.
Deal-Breakers: Why Others Won’t Look Back
- 19% say “bad memories” alone would prevent them from returning.
- 9% prefer new experiences and won’t revisit a past employer.
- Only 2% say nothing would stop them from going back.
Concerns: Fear of Repeating the Past
- 65% worry about workplace politics if they were to return.
- 46% fear burnout would resurface.
- 14% believe returning would feel like moving backward.
- Just 1% say they’d have no concerns at all.
Reputation: How You Leave Shapes Your Future
- 98% agree that leaving on good terms matters.
- 71% say respectful outreach would make them more likely to recommend a past employer, even if they wouldn’t return.
- 64% point to strong benefits and flexibility as factors that encourage positive word of mouth.
To view the full Boomerang Employees report and more information, visit https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/boomerang-jobs.
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Tags: boomerang employees, boomerang job, economy, employers, Hiring, Payroll
