The Corporate World

[Adepticus]

I'll keep this simple. Let's say I work in a corporate environment with teams, benefits, shareholders, supervisors, etc. Everyone likes me, they like my work, my boss is constantly impressed with my work, work ethics, and results. And most importanly, I love the job. Now let's say an even better opportunity comes along and I decide to resign from the corporation on excellent terms. I head off and follow my dream but then it eventually doesn't work out. Maybe two years later, there's nothing left. Either the company takes a dive or I just wasn't cut out for that dream role. What are the odds of being able to go back to my old corporate job?

[Umbrasquall]

It would depend on what type of profession you're talking about. Are we talking about a very competitive field? What position are you currently holding within that field? Is it a job that is based on experience? Some fields prefer younger employees, for example, investment banking. Does the field require a lot of training or an advanced degree? All these factor into how valuable you are to your company, and how easily you can, or can not be, replaced. In either case, if you resigned on excellent terms and keep in good favor with your previous company over time, you could probably get them to write a great referral if nothing else.

[Adepticus]

More specifically the job is video editing for a company like Discovery Channel or History Channel (part of A&E). It's very technical, requires an education to break in. Not an advanced degree though, I don't know of any school that has jsut a major in editing. It's usually a part of a science degree in communication or film. I don't know how competitve it is, but its based a lot on creativity and experience. You basically work alone unless the director or producer wants to sit in. The rest of the time you are in control of what the audience sees. How easily is the position replaced? It would depend on the replacement's experience and creativity.

[Secret Neo]

Dicovery/History Channel? I gotta tell ya, I'm into video editing myself (not for a job tho) and I think editing for A&E would be boring as hell, in my perspective anyway. I'd rather strive for ABC, and NBC in my opinion. But yet again, you probably need a higher education to start off those companys.

[Replicon]

It really depends on "how good you are", combined with "supply and demand"... If you leave your old company on excellent terms, then you already have a foot in the door. Assuming some of the people you used to work with are still around, you will have a much better chance than someone who is brand new. They know you're competent and all that, so you're low risk as far as performance goes. Only thing you might have to work on convincing them of in the interview is that you're planning on staying for a long time.

[pj]

I am a *small* business owner... so here's my perspective from that angle. It's really quite simple: Can I make money with you? If that answer is "yes," and you weren't a particularly high maintenance, threatening or difficult individual, you'd be back in my company in a heartbeat. Hard feelings over leaving or not, (and I have never begrudged somebody trying to better their lot or follow a dream,) we are in business to be successful. Success means creating wealth, and having people on board who can add value is how it happens. I'm not doing people favors by employing them, or at least I shouldn't be. It is a mutually beneficial privilege to have a skilled employee working for me. There's an added benefit: I already know you! Bringing in new blood is a huge risk for an employer nowadays. That risk is MUCH lower with somebody who has worked for me before. I already know the reality of their skills and attitudes. (And since you worked for me before and left on peaceful terms, it is very unlikely you are somebody coming in fishing for a lawsuit.) FWIW and IMHO.

[Seeker]

pj has nailed it. I work for a huge international company. As long as them employee was excellant and left on good terms, he/she is seriously considered when hiring.