Having Quitter's Regret? Here's How To Ask For Your Job Back
We all heard about the Great Resignation, where millions of professionals quit their job during the pandemic in order to find balance and pursue fulfillment. Well, today, among those who took the leap, 80% regret ever quitting in the first place. Sometimes we have to actually make a move before finding out it’s the wrong one, and that’s okay.
If you’re experiencing a bit of quitter’s remorse, here are a few tips on how to ask for your job back with your pride intact:
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1. Be sure you’ve weighed the pros and cons of going back to a former employer.
Maybe the new job you quit the old one for just didn’t stand up to the interview hype, or you just miss your old gig and coworkers. Write down all the benefits and possible pitfalls of going back. Will you have to settle for less money? Did you leave the company on good terms? Is this something that will advance your career? Do you just need the money to pay your bills? (In that case, you might want to just consider applying for a whole new job elsewhere.) Before asking for that job back, be sure you’re aware of all outcomes of your decision.
I once considered going back to an old job after hitting a slump early in my self-employment journey. After talking with a few friends I still had in the industry, they highly recommended that I push through and find other ways to bring in money while boosting my client roster. Looking back, it was the best decision not to return to an old job because I would not have the flexibility or job satisfaction I have today as a digital nomad, nor would I be earning the money I am today.
2. Reframe the ask.
To ensure you’re not coming off desperate, be sure to start off by emailing your former employer or HR department, briefly detailing what you loved about the position or company, and expressing that, after some reflection, you’d be interested in reconnecting to be rehired.
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3. Request a meeting to discuss your options.
This is a good idea since you can better pitch yourself to get back into the fold with an in-person or phone conversation. It’s much more personal, and you can really let your former manager or HR rep know the details of why you want to come back and why you would be an asset to the company if you did. This is especially important if your position hasn’t already been filled, if you took major contacts or connections with you when you left, or to leverage better pay or benefits this time around.
4. Be authentic and honest.
Oftentimes, people respect honesty, especially company leaders, with integrity. I once resigned from a job, thinking I was going to pursue higher education full-time. I didn’t want to have to juggle my studies with holding down a job that I really loved and wanted to give my all to. After a bit of thought, I decided that missing out on the opportunity to really thrive in that role and continue the work I’d been doing just wasn’t worth quitting to go back to school full-time, so I was honest, and I got the job back. My manager was very encouraging and actually was happy I’d asked to rejoin the team. If you left the job due to what you thought would be a good life pivot or for reasons that are positive, just keep it real with your former manager and allow them the chance to offer understanding and grace.
5. If the position has been filled, apply for another one.
Many companies keep employee files in their systems for quite some time after someone resigns, and there may be other opportunities for you to get your foot back in the door. If you find that your position has already been filled, apply for another position with your former department or another department altogether, either through your former company’s HR portal or via a recruiter. Talk to your former colleagues or industry friends and find out about what’s available. They might even be able to give you a heads-up when a position is opening that’s perfect for your comeback.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Every season is bob season, right? Whether you’re a protective style, curly, or relaxed-hair girly, a bob unites us all. It’s arguably earned the title of most popular, just like finger waves and French rolls did in the ‘90s.
The bubble bob is the latest rendition of this timeless style that’s earned our attention and appreciation. It’s a short and bouncy voluminous bob with a bubble-esque effect. And seeing our faves like Lori Harvey, Zendaya, Ciara, and Kelly Rowland rock it effortlessly has us adding a round brush to our Amazon cart ASAP.
If this is your first time stumbling on this phenomenon, you’re invited to the chat as we explore all things bubble bob. If you’re already familiar with it but want to know more, keep reading sis, we got you. Here’s everything you need to know about a bubble bob, and how to achieve the classy look.
First Things First: What’s a Bubble Bob Exactly?
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London hairstylist Luke Hersheshon officially coined the term “bubble bob,” according to Vogue. Hersheshon said, “It’s defined by that ’90s curve, which until recently was a bit of a no-no, plus it also has a little bit of bounce to it.” Its signature is a curvy silhouette made complete with bumped ends. “Think a classic, old-school, super smooth blow dry, that’s slightly curved under,” he said.
Who Can Rock It Best?
Because a bubble bob typically falls right between the shoulder and the chin, it’s actually flattering for most face shapes, the celebrity hairstylist pointed out. Hairstylist to the stars, Chad Wood, told Byrdie that it mostly complements round, heart, square, and inverted-triangle face shapes. For the ladies with longer face aesthetics, keep in mind that the bubble bob can make your neck and face appear longer, Wood said.
Still, don’t be afraid to go for this look as it works on all types of hair from full and thick to thin and fine.
How To Style a Bubble Bob Haircut
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We all want our bobs to have more bounce than the ounce. If you’re not afraid of a little heat, you can achieve this look by pairing a one-inch round brush with a hair dryer (or just use a blow dryer hair brush), starting at the neck and angeling the ends as you work your way up to the top of your head. Don’t forget your heat protectant, girl.
Still, a bubble bob doesn’t always require a ton of heat. Instead, you can also air dry and fluff your hair and use a round brush to give the ends that must-have bend. But I’d be lying if I said this method will get you the same volume and luster as using heat (because it most likely won’t).
Even though it has standout features like volume and such, there are different ways to sport it and make it your own. “You can angle or flip the ends of your bubble bob, add in curls, or leave it smooth. You can also leave longer angled pieces in the front to funk it up and make it more fun,” said Wood.
It’s All About The Versatility
Bubble bobs have easily become a hairdo fave thanks to their versatility. From length to volume, you can still make a bubble your own. Try it with a deep side part, bangs, or a middle part that frames your face. You can also experiment with chin, neck, or shoulder length to create a tailor-made look. Spicing it up with layers will give it that extra stamp of approval.
So How Do You Maintain It?
We all feel at our best when our bob is bobbing properly, especially when it comes to its sleek appeal. Depending on your hair type, you can keep it full of luster by using products like a finishing cream or anti-frizz serum.
If you love extra volume and bounce, NYC salon owner Nunzio Saviano, tellsReal Simplethat velcro rollers are the key. “Rollers are ideal to style a bubble bob. They are best for long-lasting volume.” For heat styling, get the lift with a round brush and a blow dryer, then finish off with rollers. Volumizing mousse and hairspray are also go-to products.
Getting a trim every four to six weeks also stops the ends from being disrespectful and turning outward. If you do use rollers or heat, you can extend the time in between cuts.
Will you be trying out the bubble bob?
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