Staying in one place is a pretty rare thing in nature.
Between animal migrations, mycelium networks moving information under the forest floor and water cycles constantly moving through the atmosphere and topography, there are plenty of examples of moving around in the natural world.
Even some species of trees can move: like the walking palm tree in South and Central America, whose roots die off on one side in favor of new ones growing on the other, slowly pulling the tree toward more nutrients. One scientist told the BBC that these trees can move up to 20 meters in a year.
Finding a more suitable environment is as innate to humans as it is to birds migrating south for the winter. Although most of us don’t change locations for each season, U.S. workers do tend to use moving homes and changing jobs as their way of finding a better environment.
In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau found that, on average, most Americans move 11.7 times in their lifetime. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics found that Boomers have had, on average, 12 jobs in their lifetimes, while Millennials are currently averaging 9 jobs.
Shifting to a new career is expected to become more common, too. Business Insider reported on a survey of 2,000 U.K. adults, which found that Gen Z workers expect to change not just jobs but careers at least three times throughout their lives.
With all of this professional movement, we had one big question: What makes top tech talent return to a company?
Built In found 10 tech professionals who have left — and then returned — to the same company after other roles and even careers.
Featured Companies
TransUnion is a global information and insights company grounded in its legacy as a credit reporting agency, ensuring each consumer is reliably and safely represented in the marketplace.
What drew you back to TransUnion Corporation?
After leaving TransUnion, what I missed the most was the exceptional people and the strong sense of community that exists here. I took this for granted during my initial tenure, but soon came to appreciate the unique camaraderie and genuine care that defines our workplace. While I gained valuable professional experience elsewhere, I longed for the culture, sense of belonging and fun that TransUnion embodies. I was lucky enough to spot a role on my previous team and contacted my previous manager to chat about coming back.
“While I gained valuable professional experience elsewhere, I longed for the culture, sense of belonging and fun that TransUnion embodies.”
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Being back, I’m so lucky to rediscover the opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams, tackle meaningful projects and pursue innovative ideas without fear of judgment. Our culture encourages experimentation, learning and growth, making it a truly special place to work.
I’m also grateful for the flexibility my manager offers, allowing me to focus on deliverables rather than rigid work hours. This flexibility enables me to balance being a mom, going to gym and doing meaningful work without having to feel like I’m sacrificing one for the other. I cherish the warm and welcoming atmosphere of our office, where diversity is not just celebrated but lived.
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
For more boomerangs to come back to TransUnion, our managers need to continue to foster an environment where individuals can thrive, grow and bring their authentic selves to work. They should really get to know their people’s strengths, career aspirations and personal journeys, empowering them to own their roles and deliver their best. I’m grateful to be back at TransUnion, surrounded by incredible people and a culture that has something truly special.
Pluralsight is a workforce-development tech company that helps professionals easily learn new skill sets in topics like cybersecurity and architecture through an AWS cloud learning library.
What drew you back to Pluralsight?
My previous tenure at Pluralsight was the most rewarding of my career. I had the most productive, enjoyable and successful years, because I was part of an organization where I could make a tangible impact and drive real change for my colleagues and our customers. I had a very capable and supportive leader and an engaged team, but the skills and approach I wanted to develop were not aligned with the role I was in. My leader was very understanding and we’d discussed if there were other roles in the organization that would align, but at the time, there wasn’t a good fit.
I left for an alternative role for a short period, but once a leadership role emerged at Pluralsight that aligned more closely to my needs, it was an easy decision to apply. For me to thrive in a role, the company needs to be aligned to a specific, progressive purpose — it’s where I get my energy and drive. Pluralsight is fairly unique in that regard, and it draws people with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds but a unified purpose, which is really motivating.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
My colleagues. I’m almost certain that if you interviewed anyone who has worked for Pluralsight, past or present, they would say the same thing. Our teams are incredible — so supportive, collaborative and eager to create the best experience, no matter where they work in the business.
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
I knew I could make a tangible difference, that my contribution would be recognised, and I would have a voice to create the future. Knowing you are part of change and innovation, that you can explore and create new things and aren’t just an employee with a job description sets organizations apart. This is what Pluralsight offers and why it’s such an enticing and fulfilling place to work. We all want to make a difference, no matter our role or level in an organization.
“Knowing you are part of change and innovation, that you can explore and create new things and aren’t just an employee with a job description sets organizations apart.”
What drew you back to Enova?
I maintained a strong relationship with my former manager at Enova, and we had planned to catch up over lunch. Coincidentally, our meeting occurred at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States, just as my current company was preparing for layoffs.
I discussed this situation with my former manager, who reassured me that I was welcome back at Enova, but wasn’t pushy. By the end of that week, I had received a job offer to return. Returning to Enova has turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Since returning to Enova, what excites me most is having a leadership team genuinely invested in my career and aspirations. While I appreciate the work-life balance and perks such as sabbaticals and summer Fridays, what truly energizes me is the opportunity to collaborate with my manager on crafting a personalized career roadmap aligned with my goals.
“What excites me most is having a leadership team genuinely invested in my career and aspirations.”
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
While my manager at Enova was disappointed I decided to leave, he was extremely supportive. He understood my desire to explore new opportunities and ensured that our professional relationship remained positive.
I believe a truly great workplace is characterized by supportive leaders who empower employees to make decisions, embrace both successes and failures and foster an environment where individuals can grow and thrive.
Squarespace is a design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online.
What drew you back to Squarespace?
Since early in my first tenure at Squarespace, I knew this was a company where efforts in service to the mission were not wasted, and individual contributors could make a direct impact. I always aligned with Squarespace’s mission to build products that help entrepreneurs stand out and succeed. When an opportunity to join the Acuity Scheduling team — a team within Squarespace focused on allowing businesses to offer online booking and effortlessly manage their appointment — arose, I saw a unique chance to once again deliver impactful work and empower a very similar audience to thrive with our industry-leading scheduling software.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Above all, I enjoy working with like-minded individuals hyperfocused on our shared mission to help our customers grow, thrive and run a successful business with our tools. There is a shared obsession with how we build, market and grow alongside our customers. Every detail is considered.
“Above all, I enjoy working with like-minded individuals hyperfocused on our shared mission to help our customers grow, thrive and run a successful business with our tools.”
Further, leadership and core stakeholders make intelligent decisions, empowering the greater team to accelerate. This has culminated in a tremendous cross-collaborative experience to deliver for our customers as quickly — and at the highest quality — as possible.
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back? What qualities define a truly great workplace?
Consistency in mission and values is critical to building brilliant products and unleashing creativity. Squarespace has done a tremendous job of nurturing a work environment in which the collective and the individual are each completely focused on the end customer, and that mission does not waver. This empowers our team members to contribute with confidence, knowing the collective is united behind that shared vision. Knowing who you are and why you are here is important in ensuring the utmost quality in the work delivered and unlocking creativity across domains.
Enfusion’s investment management software-as-a-service platform removes traditional information boundaries.
What drew you back to Enfusion?
When I left Enfusion, I greatly missed the work culture, especially the warmth and camaraderie between teammates, supportive management and the positive work environment.
When the opportunity to rejoin as a trainer for new hires came about, I seized it. It was an exciting opportunity to try something new, but still be connected to my old role where I am able to think about the growth and development of our new hires who are starting their journey at Enfusion. It is rewarding to help make their experiences as enriching and memorable as it has been for me.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
I have always cherished working at Enfusion, which is why the thought of returning was so special. Rejoining as a trainer was both exciting and nerve-wracking as it wasn’t something that I had done extensively before, but I was eager to embrace it and felt like I was rejoining an environment where it is safe to ask questions and grow.
What excited me the most about my professional life was the opportunity to have my voice heard and my opinions respected. Achieving a work-life balance and enjoying my work, rather than viewing it just as a job. I was excited about going to the office each day, meeting friends and colleagues, and being part of a team that values transparent communication where everyone’s rooting for each other. I was looking forward to learning, sharing knowledge and growing alongside my colleagues again.
“I was excited about going to the office each day, meeting friends and colleagues, and being part of a team that values transparent communication where everyone’s rooting for each other.”
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back? What qualities define a truly great workplace?
We spend most of our day at work, which makes it a significant part of our lives. It is almost like a second home and our colleagues are like family in some ways. Having a workplace that recognizes this, fosters a sense of belonging and comfort, and allows employees to learn from our mistakes is truly exceptional.
When employees feel valued, they bring their best selves to work which benefits them and everyone around them. It motivates them, and ensures their mental and emotional well-being, too.
A positive work environment — like the one I have experienced at Enfusion — will surely draw former employees back and make the workplace a great one.
ThousandEyes, a part of Cisco, provides visibility into digital experiences delivered over the internet.
What drew you back to ThousandEyes?
It all started with a conversation with one of my previous colleagues that I had the pleasure of collaborating with again. He was telling me about ThousandEyes’ CodeBGP acquisition and that his team was looking for someone to help them improve the BGP UI.
A month later, my previous company, StreamYard, announced that it would be acquired and I took that as a sign. After a few calls with the ThousandEyes team, I thought it would be a great time to get back on board.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
The people. I have many great memories from my previous 6.5 years at ThousandEyes and missed working with colleagues who live and breathe the top-notch ThousandEyes spirit.
Since I left, our engineering department also doubled in size. Being back and seeing how well this team was able to grow is impressive. Ultimately, ThousandEyes’ great leadership team makes all the difference when it comes to cultivating and keeping a high-performance engineering team.
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
Foster an environment where people can create meaningful connections. This was key in my case, where a conversation planted a seed for my return.
Create a spirit of belonging even when people leave. I never questioned that I was going to be treated as if I never left.
Focus on creating a positive and collaborative culture. Don’t hire people that cause attrition.
“I never questioned that I was going to be treated as if I never left.”
A food-for-work technology company, ezCater connects anyone who needs food for their workplace to over 100,000 restaurants nationwide.
What drew you back to ezCater?
I departed ezCater in 2020 and returned in January 2024. There are a few things that drew me back; specifically the environment, culture and the relationships I built with my managers and peers.
When I left ezCater, I stayed in touch with my managers, Zak Kovat and Paige Durgin, and even spoke with them about my career progression as a recruiter and areas of growth. They were extremely supportive of my journey outside of ezCater, but they also knew I had a desire to come back.
In December 2023, I interviewed for a recruiter role on the talent team. The interview process was transparent and the culture remained awesome. It was a no-brainer to accept their offer to return. At ezCater, I’m constantly informed, rewarded and challenged to grow. For example, when it came to elevating my talent sourcing expertise, I was able to lean on my managers and teammates for support and coaching. I attended sourcing workshops and reviewed training documents created by our team. This collaborative effort improved my sourcing efficiency and overall effectiveness. Workplace culture is so important in a job search and new role, and I knew I made the right decision by returning to my ezCater fam.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Growth and development! I’m in a spot where I can grow professionally and be my full self. ezCater’s culture supports me in taking on new challenges in my role and gives me a sense of ownership, which is something I value. One piece of our culture’s recipe is: “Just try it and track it.” This mindset enables me to try different recruiting approaches to see what works and what doesn’t work, and it helps me progress and develop new confidence and skills. I’m now stronger in different areas of my role, and I’m gaining valuable experience to continue moving forward in my career.
“One piece of our culture’s recipe is: ‘Just try it and track it.’ This mindset helps me progress and develop new confidence and skills.”
At ezCater, our talent process is thorough, thoughtful and equitable. However, we are still encouraged to try and track new approaches. This includes how I’ve approached my initial phone screens. I’ve been able to test variations of our pitch and see how it impacts the flow of my calls. This allows me to personalize my conversations and determine the best interview experience for the candidate. As a recruiter, feeling empowered to try new approaches is refreshing and rewarding.
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
My biggest piece of advice for leaders is to create an environment where employees can be their full authentic selves and continue to grow in their profession. It comes down to how cultural values are created, fostered and preserved.
As a recruiter, I partner with hiring managers across all areas of the business. Our hiring managers understand ezCater’s culture and how important culture is when we build and run our interview processes (for both the candidates and our interviewers when they are assessing a potential new team member). People across ezCater are committed to preserving our culture and living by our core values every day.
What qualities define a truly great workplace?
Transparent leadership, diversity, work-life balance, development and compensation are all aspects that create an environment where people want to stay long-term and do their best work. These areas are incredibly important to me, and ultimately prompted me to rejoin ezCater.
Sprout Social is a global leader in social media management and analytics software.
What drew you back to Sprout Social?
The people, the people, the PEOPLE. The leadership at Sprout is top-notch and my peers are the best. Sprout was my first job out of college, so it was all I knew. When I left it was to explore what else was out there and, right after leaving, I realized the grass isn’t always greener.
I hit the jackpot with Sprout with the intelligent people I get to work with, a product that works and I enjoy educating people on, and amazing customers. It didn’t take me long to realize I wanted to go back to Sprout, and the timing worked out that there was an open spot for me to return. I was thrilled to rejoin my team and be welcomed back with open arms.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Being able to have a professional life that supports my personal life. I love my job but it isn’t my whole life. I feel very fortunate to have our rest and recovery days, unlimited PTO and the encouragement to follow passions outside of work. The support we are given to enjoy our personal life makes me more motivated and excited to perform well in my professional life. I am able to show up every day with a clear mindset and a desire to perform well for my team.
“The support we are given to enjoy our personal life makes me more motivated and excited to perform well in my professional life.”
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
When I left I had leaders let me know they supported my decision and that there would always be a spot for me at Sprout if I wanted to return. I felt so valued, supported and comforted that I had leaders that understood my decision and truly wanted the best for me.
The culture and balance at Sprout is hard to beat and starts with the leaders. For me, a truly great workplace is defined by the people you share it with, being able to grow and learn without fear of failure, and being passionate about the company and aligning with their values. Sprout checks all of these boxes for me and I am so happy to be back.
Homebot is a real estate tech company that empowers consumers with personalized and actionable financial insights through the full homeownership life cycle.
What drew you back to Homebot?
When I made the challenging decision to leave Homebot in 2022, leadership made it clear that they were excited about my next chapter and that I was always welcome to return. This gesture truly reflected Homebot’s values and the quality of its leaders.
During my time away, I gained valuable experiences and skills, but I often compared my new role to the positive aspects of my previous job at Homebot. Throughout my brief time away, I stayed in touch with many Homebot employees and heard about the exciting changes occurring within the organization. When a position opened up, I contacted my former VP, recognizing that my new skills could add value to the organization.
After productive discussions around role expectations and compensation, and considering the strong alignment of Homebot’s values and culture with my own, I decided to return. This decision was further solidified by positive interactions with the team and their outstanding work-life balance culture. Ultimately, it became evident that Homebot was the right company for me.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Since returning to Homebot, I am most excited to have the unique company culture back in my professional life. The leadership values their employees, showing respect and granting autonomy to each individual. Homebot employees are a different breed, excelling in cross-departmental collaboration and aligning with clear organizational expectations. Being part of a team that is dedicated to building a best-in-class product makes me wake up excited to go to work every day.
“Being part of a team that is dedicated to building a best-in-class product makes me wake up excited to go to work every day.”
Additionally, the supportive and collaborative work environment at Homebot is unlike any I have ever experienced. The leadership’s commitment to professional growth and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects has made my return extremely rewarding. Outside the office, Homebot takes pride in bringing in like-minded employees who balance work and life, creating a community I am proud to be a part of.
What qualities define a truly great workplace?
A great workplace features a positive culture, growth opportunities, open communication and work-life balance. It builds community and inclusivity, supported by strong leadership and regular recognition. Prioritizing employee well-being ensures engagement and commitment. By focusing on these areas, leaders can retain top talent and encourage former employees to return, fostering long-term loyalty.
A great workplace starts with people, progress and product. Who is the company investing in, and why? How is the company growing and shifting? How does the product reflect a growth mindset? Outside of the above, what are current employees saying about the company? When I returned to Homebot, I spent time with former colleagues to hear their experiences during the time I had departed.
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
Leaders need to cultivate a culture of honesty, transparency, growth and opportunity to attract former employees back. Let the potential boomerang know the company has grown in various areas, remained steadfast in the areas they already excelled in and emphasize the opportunity for growth.
Ingage is a marketing tech company that enables every team to create engaging on-brand content, share it with the people who need it and measure the impact.
What drew you back to Ingage?
The role I moved to after initially leaving Ingage suffered from a lack of any real processes and trust in employees, which led to a toxic work culture. Instead of communicating and collaborating on projects, people would undermine and undercut each other to get their way or get ahead of others. The office became very clique-y because of it. It also resulted in very poor work-life balance. I knew Ingage was nothing like this and when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at going back.
Since returning, what are you most excited to have back in your professional life?
Trust. It’s great to work at a company that trusts the talent of their employees. Makes me feel human, and part of the team instead of a robot just trying to hit their numbers no matter what.
What advice would you offer to leaders who wish to create the type of workplace that draws former employees back?
Foster a positive work culture. Build an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and included. Encourage open communication, collaboration and mutual support.
