Tom Murphy
RedwoodAge.com

Many boomers are turning into boomerangs by returning to former employers on a part- or full-time basis.

Companies are often happy to welcome back workers who can hit the ground running because they already understand the job and the company culture, according to Michael Jalbert, president of MRINetwork, a Philadelphia-based recruiter. Plus, the returning worker is a "known quantity" who represents less risk than a new candidate.

"Gone are the days when quitting automatically meant becoming persona non grata," said Jalbert. "Employees who already know a company's business and culture are so welcome that they're frequently called alumni rather than ex-employees." 

Part of the reason for the shift in attitude is that many companies have started to realize that retiring boomers will leave with a lifetime of highly specialized experience, something that is difficult to replace. A recent survey showed this was the top concern for executives.

Some companies have been preparing for these changes, but others face a real challenge in training new workers to replace retirees.

For boomers who mistakenly thought the grass was greener on the other side of the hill, it's also a good strategy, particularly for those who've decided to keep working past the normal retirement age. 

Pay Raise?
Employees who leave frequently acquire new skills, more contacts and first-hand knowledge about competitors. 

"In some cases, the absence may actually catapult the employee to a higher position than they would have reached by staying," said Jalbert. 

For employees to return, they have to leave on good terms and - in most cases - maintain a professional relationship with their old employer. But workers should never quit a job with the expectation that they can return.

There are some dos and don'ts to consider before heading back down a familiar road:

• Don't burn bridges when you leave because that's how you'll be remembered.
• If you want to return, let your former employer know - don't make them guess.
• If you have new skills or other benefits, let the employer know.
• Enlist an ally at the company to help you make your case.

"Handled correctly, going back to a former company can be an attractive option for both the employee and the employer," Jalbert said. "If there are clear benefits on both sides, the practicalities can usually be worked out to everyone's satisfaction."