Can I withdraw my resignation after immediately regretting leaving my job?

[itsme55]

I was sure about leaving my job for another and handed in my notice. As soon as I did it, I felt regret and wanted the old job back because I realised how good it was. I have asked by email if I can withdraw my resignation. I was told my my manager there is nothing I can do apart from reapplying. I've sent emails to other parts of the company including HR who have opened an appeal.

Is there anything I can do?

I am always surprised on here how much power HR seem to wield, or how much some people think they do. If one of my team resigned and then wanted to withdraw it, they would come to me, not HR - if I wanted them to stay I would say yes and vice versa. Would go nowhere near HR other than admin tasks.

Not necessarily. My employer has a policy that resignations cannot be withdrawn. As a manager I couldn’t do anything in this situation.

The biggest winger at work left for a better job. She hated it and asked to come back. We said ok but the terms are no more whinging and get on with it. She has been brilliant since. Sometimes good to see the other side.

I did this many years ago. I took another job that looked great with better pay but turned out to be a nightmare with a horrible boss. My old employer said it depended whether my resignation had been processed by hr. It had, so I couldn’t have my exact old job back but they gave me a similar role with slightly less money! I took it and continued looking for another job. It was nice to feel safe and familiar until I found a better paid job. I did find a well paid job and it worked out well for me!

If you were valued there they’d let you rescind. It’s always cheaper and easier to retain good staff than recruit and train newbies. Some managers can be petty about ‘loyalty’ though even if you’ve given good reasons (such as house move etc). I think you’re better off leaving.

I'm so sorry OP that you are unable to get your job back easily.

No point now trying to guess the reasons why and replay if only scenarios in your head.

You have nothing to lose by re-applying - but I would ask your manager informally, if you did, what would be your chances realistically. If the reply is that the job is absolutely yours - you'll know it is a process hoop they need to jump through. If the answer is anything else - I personally wouldn't bother applying as it sounds like an excuse and they are trying to spare your feelings.

There is always a good reason why someone decides to leave. Trust that gut instinct and look for the next opportunity elsewhere. When you find that new job, you won't look back.

Good luck.

Nothing surprises me the way managers behave anymore. I had a colleague who was a new widow with v young kids,, tried to come back after bereavement leave, struggled then gave her notice in. She asked for it back almost immediately, I think her head must have been all over the place, and she was told it was too late. Some managers just lack any sense of humanity and will use every trick in the book to convince the person that it’s against the protocol or that HR doesn’t allow it.

but I’ve also seen the other side where they can offer pay increases etc to convince you to stay.

as everyone says, if they want you badly enough, they will make it happen.

definitely try and speak to boss and hr we are only human and people make irrational decisions say you were under pressure because it sounds like you are
if they do not support you then perhaps it isn’t the right company for you and you are meant for a change
good luck x

You just don't know whats going on in the background though. Many companies are cutting costs at the moment and delighted when someone resgins so they can rehire at a more junior level and save money. Some are implementing hiring freezes, even for valid roles. They may have already budgeted for OP's departure.

@dancehysterical22 , happened at my school as well. The teacher concerned did not get the chance to rescind.

My employer never takes back ex-employees.

What a strange line to take. One of my best and most hard working and talented employees is someone who left and worked elsewhere for 5 years or so. The different experience was great for her and she's a fabulous part of the team

Employees aren't slaves. They often need to leave to progress their careers

I think she maybe means that her boss doesn't take people who leave, then regret it and decide to come back straight away?

Not necessarily personal as in "Iike an employee" but possibly a financial decision. Perhaps the employer has taken the opportunity to review employees/finances and realises there's a cost saving.

I do know someone who left a job for a new job. The new job fell through, I think the company went bust and she asked for her old job back, and she got it.

Some companies definitely will