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should i stay or should i go

(46 Posts)
travelsafar Thu 27-Jul-17 18:25:23

I have been contacted by the firm i worked for before retiring 2 years ago.They have asked if i am interested in working on an ad hoc basis for them again, probably to cover sickness and holidays and any current staff shortages. I have been for an informal chat filled in an application form and waiting to get an offical interview hopefully next week.My family say why? my OH says its up to you and i feel like i have almost dipped my toes in the water.Has anyone else returned after a period of not working to a former employer, and did it work out??

JaneD3 Fri 28-Jul-17 12:50:13

I have just done a maternity cover for 7 weeks with an ex- boss I am happy to work for but in a different school. I found this was the best of both worlds, as I wasn't trying to fit back in anywhere. The money will pay for a painter and decorator for the hall, landing and stairs - my knees won't take it any more!
So yes give it a go and use the money on something specific!

missdeke Fri 28-Jul-17 13:07:38

Definitely worth a try, I did and never regretted it.

Desdemona Fri 28-Jul-17 13:11:48

Worth a try, what have you got to lose? If you don't enjoy it at least you can just leave.

adaunas Fri 28-Jul-17 15:10:06

Retired from primary teaching years ago but then agreed to go back bto cover specific subjects 2-3 times a week. It was strange not being part of the SLT, but the pleasure of only teaching 2subjects, right the way across the school far outweighed the burden of endless meetings and I feel really appreciated
as they are subjects staff do teach, but find difficult to fit in when you're teaching full time.
Give it a go. You can always pack it in.

lovebeigecardigans1955 Fri 28-Jul-17 16:00:51

How was the job/people beforehand, though this may not have any bearing on how it is now? I don't have any personal experience of this but MIL has. She was asked back to cover for sickness or holidays, etc. FIL worked out that she shouldn't work more than X (15?) hours per week as they would lose out tax wise.
It was all right for a while, then they started to take advantage of her good nature and she felt aggrieved so packed it in.

Bamm Fri 28-Jul-17 16:39:40

I tried, after my husband died . I was 68 and was surprised to find that I felt terribly tired! Left after a short time but felt a bit of a failure.

sarahellenwhitney Fri 28-Jul-17 16:48:41

Travelsafar
The ball is in your court.They contacted you so your options are as long as the ball stays there and you are happy with the arrangements and they need you more than you need them then you can but give it ago.
Good luck.

cornergran Fri 28-Jul-17 17:12:33

I'd think about days and hours, even tasks and time I'd like off for holiday, before the interview and then make it clear what I was prepared to do. Then if they agreed I'd give it a go, why not? They have asked you so should be prepared to at least consider your needs. You can always leave if it doesn't work out.

dogsmother Fri 28-Jul-17 17:13:33

My DH did after being 'retired ' for 7 years! He has now been back for the last 4 and loves it, same job ish less responsibilities though plus he has a pension and a salary.
Certainly delighted, both us actually hehe.

TwiceAsNice Fri 28-Jul-17 17:26:59

I retired last summer had 6 months off and then went back to work 2 days a week doing the same type of work but in a completely different place/ staff etc. I love my new job but wou,I'd definitely not go back to previous job, was gladly to leave in the first place but only because of new changes before I actually retired. I think it depends on what you want, don't expect it to be the same, it will have changed.

travelsafar Fri 28-Jul-17 17:53:56

Thanks for all the comments. Going Monday for interview. I take onboard that i might not feel the same way as i did when working full time.But as some have said if i dont try i may always wonder if i missed a good opportunity. I intend to spend the money on several little short breaks 4-5 night or long weekends. I dont need the money to live on or pay bills so am going to enjoy it, instead of using my savings for treats. I will see how it goes, i may hate it but at least i will know.

Kim19 Fri 28-Jul-17 19:12:23

I think the fact that you've been asked is both flattering and complimentary. Well done you! As long as you don't expect it to be anything like it was before, seems to me you hold all the aces and, as many people here have said, you've nothing to lose and you might regret not giving it a try. Also you've plenty of time to marry up what hours you would like to be compatible with the lifestyle you now have. Good luck with the interview.

Menopaws Fri 28-Jul-17 20:22:40

How lovely to be valued enough in your work for them to want you back, a real credit to your working life, well done and I hope they treat you properly and genuinely and that you enjoy this new chapter and extra income, all the best.

Purpledaffodil Fri 28-Jul-17 21:22:27

Good for you travelsafar. If you don't give it a try, you'll never know if you would have enjoyed it. I still do occasional supply at the school I retired from 5 years ago. Few people that I worked with are still there, but it is always good to catch up with those that are there and meet new people. I work hard when I'm there, but enjoy walking out at the end of the day, knowing I won't have to get up and go the next day. DGS is a pupil there and we both enjoy meeting each other by chance. I've even taught his class a few times with no ill effect! grin

Hm999 Sat 29-Jul-17 07:55:01

Check it doesn't affect your pension. Have just lived a 3 month nightmare when my pension was stopped, due to one tiny admin mistake which occurred when I went back to work post-retirement.

OurKid1 Sat 29-Jul-17 14:08:54

I did the same thing. Left, then was asked to cover during a busy, understaffed period. I was glad I did, as although I left voluntarily, I always felt it pulling me back. I now feel as if that particular time in my life is done and dusted. (The incentive of earning a little more helped too!)

Good luck.

Penstemmon Sat 29-Jul-17 14:57:32

I did! I retired, unexpectedly, just after my 60th. Voluntary redundancies were being sought and a colleague had taken the offer. Sadly she was widowed a few months prior to the redundancy starting and she wanted/needed to stay working. I volunteered to take the voluntary redundancy(to avoid a forced redundancy situation where all the dept. would have to be interviewed for their jobs)
I had a lovely year not working then I was approached by former colleagues to see if I would take up a post in a new structure. I agreed and returned. I stayed for 2 more years and then chose to leave and I set up my own consultancy which has kept me busy up until now when i am choosing to retire again! Well, maybe!

Laine21 Sat 29-Jul-17 16:51:43

where I work, we have had some staff retire over the last 3 years, 4 of these are now back part time, on a daily rate, working the hours/days that suit them. They seem to have come back invigorated and fresh, plus they know at any time they can call it a day and bye bye work again. give it a go see how you feel.

Gran7 Sun 30-Jul-17 10:05:00

Hi. I am in exactly the same position, but for on thing, I have told hubby I'm leaving. We split up around 5years ago for the same reason as you, but got back after a year apart. Now 4 years later it's the same old, not showering, piled the weight on and other women. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE to me and was brought up to respect myself and others. He seems to have no respect for you, and this will drag you down. At the moment you can escape by going to work, imagine being with him 24/7. It's taken me since Christmas, with a lot of soul searching, but I know I have made the right choice. You also will gain your self esteem. Good luck with your decision and whatever you decide, be happy. I'm looking forward to my new life, with new friends. Oh by the way, I have just turned 71 years. It's not to late to start living..Hope this helps.

rosesarered Sun 30-Jul-17 10:14:13

Wrong thread? Gran7

DH only had three years off ( retirement) they kept calling him back and he is still going to do part time work after the Summer. He enjoys it and extra money is always welcome.The thing to do is think what you are doing it for be it money, enjoyment etc.We all get more tired than we used to though, but part time or occasional work could be stimulating for you.