Each week, Dr Kirstin Ferguson tackles questions on the workplace, career and leadership in her advice column “
Sadly I think the situation you describe is quite common and is also one that is overlooked by many business leaders. My suspicion is that at the most senior levels of your business, the intention would be that you are included in the kinds of people-focused, cultural initiatives you describe yet in practice, the fact you are paid as a contractor and not a PAYG employee, has got in the way. That is, of course, ridiculous.
I suspect everyone – me included – goes through what you describe, where the grass appears greener and the enticements of a shiny new role are too strong to resist. We leave one great job for another and then, unfortunately, it doesn’t work out.How fabulous for you that your last employer left the door open – they clearly really valued you. You should absolutely talk to them about your experiences in the new role and why it has made you appreciate the leadership and culture they offered.
kirstinferguson Wait until they hear about casual academic staff at universities.