Progress, even in a career journey, is rarely a straight line. But for many lucky professionals, the upward trajectory into a better role can often come with a twist — or a curve, as “boomerang employees” returning to a previous employer can attest.
In the last several years, reasons to leave a job have gradually increased. Factors like rises in inflation, lack of sufficient salary increases, lack of growth opportunities and the overall destigmatization of job-hopping have played a large role in encouraging workers to explore alternative paths to career progression, according to Forbes.
However for some tech professionals who left their jobs for potentially better opportunities, the grass may not always be as green as it appeared in the hiring process. Disappointing culture, a lack of learning and growth opportunities and overall disillusionment in a new role — coupled with a strong network of relationships with a previous employer — can easily curve professionals on a trajectory back to where they started. Research compiled by Harvard Business Review noted that almost 20 percent of workers who left their jobs in the Covid-19 pandemic have since returned to their previous employers, and 14 percent of new tech industry hires in 2023 were former employees.
Built In Chicago sat down with some recent boomerang employees to get a better look into the unique trajectories that accelerated their careers — and brought them back to their current companies.
IMC Trading is a proprietary trading firm and market maker in various products listed on exchanges globally.
What drew you back to IMC Trading as a boomerang employee?
The sequence of events leading to my return began with staying in touch with my former colleagues, whom I already had strong connections with.
One particular conversation with my previous manager, who was leading the team at the time, was a significant milestone: He described the impressive growth of the team, the initiatives that the team had taken and the significant value I could potentially add to the team if I returned.
This conversation made the unique opportunities that would be available to me at IMC crystal clear to me and made me seriously consider coming back. Ultimately, given the professional respect I already had for the team lead and my positive previous experiences at IMC in general, it became clear that returning was the right choice.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Returning to IMC, I was, and still am, very excited about the collaborative environment and the sense of community that positively impacts the entire workplace.
The familiarity with IMC culture and processes helped me make an immediate impact and feel back home.
In particular, it has been a great experience to hit the ground running. I am seizing the career development opportunities that fit perfectly with my career ambitions, leveraging my technical expertise and experience and multiplying my impact by leading and coaching a team of talented researchers.
What advice would you offer leaders who wish to create a workplace that draws former employees back?
I cannot stress enough the importance of building genuine and strong relationships with employees, including the ones that are departing. Experiencing the smooth exit process and seeing the respect shown to my decision to leave played a big role in considering a return. Additionally, investing in employee development and presenting clear growth opportunities make it more appealing to come back.
“Experiencing the smooth exit process and seeing the respect shown to my decision to leave played a big role in considering a return.”
It’s deep within IMC culture to make employees feel valued, respected and truly incentivized to contribute to IMC’s success, which makes it a great place to work. My advice would be to place these principles at the heart of any workplace and keep them as top priorities for future changes.
SpotHero is a digital parking service company that provides an off-street parking marketplace.
What drew you back to SpotHero as a boomerang employee?
After working at my previous employer for over a year, I felt my IT management impact wasn’t as significant as it was at SpotHero. The smaller company structure and fewer IT challenges limited the scope of my work. With an eye toward career growth, I began applying for other jobs. Over eight months, I went on 10-12 interviews, but nothing truly resonated with me the way my role at SpotHero did.
Then, during a particularly discouraging week, I received an email from a SpotHero recruiter inquiring if I was open to new opportunities. They shared an IT Manager opening that fit my background and asked if I was interested in the role. I responded immediately and secured a call that same day. Following additional interviews, they offered me the chance to return to SpotHero.
Several factors solidified my decision. SpotHero’s commitment to creating space for life, which I deeply value, remained a standout. And the prospect of tackling a backlog of IT challenges rekindled my energy and motivation. While not the same role, it perfectly aligned with my career progression. I was thrilled to resume my SpotHero journey and make a renewed impact on the company.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
The engineering team at SpotHero embraces cross-team collaboration, so I am most excited to be back working with various teams. Additionally, the opportunity to be part of a supportive engineering leadership team that shares my IT vision and offers guidance for stronger leadership is highly motivating. One of the things I missed most was the diverse knowledge base shared across SpotHero’s various teams. This vast network of technology leaders is invaluable for expanding my technical knowledge and leadership and coaching skills. Finally, representing a well-known Chicago brand like SpotHero at conferences and professional events is another exciting aspect of my return.
“One of the things I missed most was the diverse knowledge base shared across SpotHero’s various teams.”
What advice would you offer leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
Focus on the people. Technology can be replicated, but the impact of talented people on an organization is irreplaceable. To attract former employees back, prioritize listening to your teams and addressing their needs. Ask questions and actively solicit feedback.
In my experience, a truly great workplace rests on three pillars. The first pillar is trust and open communication: Foster safe spaces for employees to voice their opinions and learn from mistakes without fear of punishment. This builds trust and encourages open communication.
Second, engage in active listening. Many people leave their jobs because they feel unheard. Emphasize that everyone’s voice matters and actively listen to their ideas and concerns. This will lead to increased engagement.
Third, have fun! Here at SpotHero, we value “enjoying the ride.” Leaders with a positive outlook and intellectual curiosity can create an optimistic and engaging work environment that resonates with employees long after they leave.
Caxy is a software consulting and custom software development agency that supports companies’ technology and business strategies.
What drew you back to Caxy as a boomerang employee?
I knew I wanted to return to Caxy before I left. I left for a contract job that I knew was not a permanent position and only for around a year. It was a great learning opportunity for my personal development and a reminder of all the things I love about Caxy that you don’t get at other jobs — like the feeling of camaraderie and investment into individual growth.
“I knew I wanted to return to Caxy before I left.”
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
I have many close friends from my first stint at Caxy and my new stint. I love having that back! I have formed many close relationships, some of which will undoubtedly last a lifetime, even since my return. This tells me that this is a Caxy thing because Caxy hires good people who are interested in working together and care for each other.
What advice would you offer leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
The amount of internal growth cannot be overlooked or overstated. The company’s trajectory has been on an upward trend for half a decade now in terms of company size and client base. Also, when you come back to Caxy you demonstrate your personal investment in the company, and that does not go unreciprocated.
