An employer often wants to hire someone that is an asset to their organization, someone that they can trust and will stay with them for the long-run. However, things are not like they used to be. Back in the day, an employee would be hired and could often be counted on to stay in their current job until retirement. Today, there are endless opportunities and people want to chase them. Turnover is often high, especially in the skin care industry.

Aestheticians are artists and dreamers by nature – healers who want to heal the world and make it beautiful. Some are impatient, always on the lookout for something better. They may go into a job with the best of intentions, getting used to things, getting along with their employer, and feeling blessed that they have the opportunity to work in that job. Eventually, however, they may become antsy, thinking that if they found this job and it is this good, then, maybe there is something better out there. After deciding to take a chance and start applying for jobs, they may get an offer with more money, better hours, or a closer commute. However, after the position starts, they may find the grass is not greener on the other side. Perhaps other employees are not acting right or the boss is not what they made themselves out to be.

For one reason or another, at some point in their career, a skin care professional may find themselves contemplating whether or not to return to a former place of employment. Situations that involve reconnecting with a former employer can be tricky. The key is to assess each individual situation.

For instance, in some cases, a former employer may reach out to a professional, asking them to consider coming back. In this case, the former employee should reflect back on what employment with this employer was like in the past. Was there ever a feeling of being stagnant, with no opportunity for growth? Was the employee repeatedly passed over for a promotion? Consider why the decision was made to leave and seek better opportunities in the first place. And what will things look like upon return? If the former employer did not treat the professional with respect and fairness in the past, who is to say new promises will be fulfilled this time around? Sometimes in this industry, it is hard to make it and bad employers will take advantage of employees, even if they are good and hard-working. It may seem tempting to return to a familiar position, even despite poor working conditions, because of fear of changes and uncertainty in how things will pan out if new horizons are pursued. Still, in situations like this, it is often best to take a leap of faith and move on. It is probably not in the former employee’s best interest to go back.

On the flip side, in some cases, a former employer and employee could have parted ways amicably, with trust intact. There could be a time somewhere in the future where they may find themselves wanting to work together again. If this is the case, joining forces again may be appropriate. After all, it can be hard to make solid and reliable connections in the industry, so when they are found, sticking with them is a great idea. Even if currently working solo or freelance, it is always good to have an ally in the industry, as situations can change in the future.

Whatever the situation, when considering returning to work for a former employee, evaluating past experiences and going with what feels best is most important in making healthy employment decisions.