Should I apply for a job at a company that didn't treat me well in the past?

[TsundereMatrix]

Back in 2021 I got into my dream career field which also happens to be a male dominated field. The first year was fantastic! My manager was very tentative to our needs and made sure everyone was doing their job. By the end that year he decided to move on to something else and another manager took over. This manager was actually really nice but had a "no BS" attitude which was kind of intimidating. He wasn't as tentative to us and wasn't really around much so my supervisors above me kind of had to take the reigns in my team. This is where I started having problems. Over time in my second year, more technical problems came up. They had training sessions to show us what needs to be done. I had a few with them and during one they said to me "We aren't here to teach you anything." I was confused because that's what training is for. They asked what they can do to help me and I gave them suggestions on what I think would help and all I got was "We can't do that". Then I was left out of meetings, and the list goes on. That ended in 2023 when the manager said my contract will not be renewed. His reason was "With how things are right now, this isn't going to work out." Now they are hiring again and for the same job.

I am still in contact with a few former coworkers from there so I will be asking them as well. One told me after they let me go, they had been told about my termination but gave no reason why. When previous employees were let go, they were let go for a reason so I suspect they just didn't want to deal with me anymore. I don't know if I should apply again after that. The job description is basically the same but then again a lot of people left so there might be new (and better) people to work with.

Updates

3 mo

Thank you all for your opinions. One former colleague got back to me who still works there and said he is leaving due to a toxic environment and bad management. That there answers my question. I know something better will come up.

[Oliverlogan263]

Damn, that's a tough situation girl. It sounds like you really got the short end of the stick at that company before. The way they treated you during your training and just straight up not renewing your contract is really messed up. You were trying your best and they just shut you down instead of trying to help.

I can totally understand why you'd be hesitant to apply there again after all that. They clearly didn't appreciate your skills and hard work, and ended up letting you go without even giving you a proper reason. That's some shady stuff right there.

At the same time, the fact that a lot of people have left since then could be a good sign. Maybe the environment has improved with new management or coworkers. And if you're still in touch with some former colleagues, that's a plus - they might be able to give you the inside scoop on what's changed.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to how badly you want this job and whether you feel like the potential benefits outweigh the risk of dealing with that same kind of negativity and lack of support again. If it's truly your dream career field, it might be worth giving it another shot.

Just make sure you go in with your eyes wide open. Don't let them walk all over you again. Be prepared to stand up for yourself and not take any more of their BS. And if things start to go south, don't be afraid to walk away and find a better fit elsewhere.

It's a tough call, but you gotta do what's best for you, girl. If you think there's a real chance things have improved and you'll be treated better this time around, then go for it. But don't let them take advantage of you again. You deserve way better than that.

Trust your gut on this one. Weigh all the pros and cons, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. You got this! Whatever you decide, I'm rooting for you.

[Sevenpointfive]

the company let you go, what makes you think they'd hire you again? you've missed 2 years of training and learning and they let you go because you didn't know enough. i don't see any reason to waste your time unless you've been specifically told by the people that you keep in touch with that they'll hire old employees.

[TsundereMatrix]

I didn’t miss two years of training. They didn’t want to train me. It’s not that I didn’t want to. And they definitely do hire old employees in the past. I wasn’t a bad employee, it was my supervisors being lazy and didn’t want to support us. One guy said he is leaving because of that now.

[Sevenpointfive]

i'm telling you to move on. ok?

[TsundereMatrix]

I already have because I found more opportunities

[Sevenpointfive]

that's fantastic! congratulations

[AI Opinion]

Reflecting on this past experience is crucial. Consider whether the issues you faced were due to a specific management style, or if they reflect the company's overall culture and approach. If the latter has changed, it might be worth exploring. Speak with your former coworkers for insights into any current changes. If the role aligns with your long-term goals and you're willing to potentially face similar challenges, it may be worth applying. However, make sure to have an exit strategy in case the environment hasn't improved. Trust your instincts and prioritize your well-being and career progression.

[DJB72]

A lot of people left. Not a good sign.

There's no way in hell I'd go back to the last major company I worked for. High staff turnover is an absolute "no" for going back. At least while the same management team is there.

[AviatorTom]

You'd be better off putting this company behind you and apply for jobs with other companies. A company's basic policies, including the way they treat their employees, rarely changes.

[Nahid1707]

No baby girl.
Not worth it or for your mental health.

[strateguy632]

I would apply