A new beginning in familiar surroundings

During their career, employees may encounter situations where they transfer to new positions with another employer. Sometimes, however, the path leads back to the former workplace. Many Comatec employees return to us with valuable experience and new perspectives.

Rejoining the company can offer an opportunity to continue developing in a familiar work community, but in a new role and with new challenges.

This article introduces three of our employees who have returned to Comatec and share their experiences.

What made you apply for a position at our company, and what were your duties?

Lauri: I had already done design work at another company and felt it was time to take the next step in my career and start designing different types of equipment and machines. I joined Comatec as a junior mechanical designer, and my work included maintenance planning tasks and a few product development projects. I then became a team leader, handling day-to-day customer communications and team supervision.

Saila: I found Comatec an attractive company, particularly the work in group administration in sales and marketing support roles. I had worked in similar roles before joining Comatec and wanted to put my previous experience to good use. I was given the opportunity to do so, and later on, I was also entrusted with development tasks related to procurement. These tasks were closely linked to my postgraduate studies, so they provided an excellent opportunity to combine theory and practice.

Mark: I first heard about Comatec during one of my lectures at the University of Applied Sciences, where various companies came to talk to students about their operations. This presentation sparked my interest in applying for a job at Comatec.

What made you come back and how did that feel to you?

Saila: I returned to Comatec because I felt that the work here was right for me and I appreciate Comatec’s practices, community, and culture. The new challenges also made my return meaningful.

Mark: While I was elsewhere, I kept in touch with my former supervisor at Comatec, and when a position opened up, I jumped at the chance. Returning was easy, as the tasks were the same and I was already familiar with the programs used at work. Some of my colleagues were also the same, so I immediately had a familiar reference group that I enjoyed being part of.

Lauri: I was drawn back by an interesting job opening and the knowledge that Comatec is a great place to work. Returning felt easy because I knew I would be working with friendly and nice people. The position that opened up was really interesting, and I also saw it as an opportunity to develop, especially as a salesperson and supervisor. Now I am also on my part responsible for developing the business.

New responsibilities and opportunities – how did the return turn out?

Lauri: I returned to Comatec to a position held by my previous supervisor, and now I am responsible for sales and communications with several different customers. I’m also a team leader, ensuring that work guidance is in line with the tasks at hand.

Saila: My current, newer role offers more opportunities to influence and develop operations. The job has brought new teammates and more new challenges, which motivate me to keep learning.

Mark: The content of my current job does not differ significantly from my previous one.

What do you value most in your current position and work community?

Lauri: We have a super relaxed and productive vibe in our work community. Balancing work and free time is smooth and works well. My job is challenging enough and gives me the chance to learn new things all the time.

Mark: Our work community is relaxed and pleasant too. What I value most in my work is the freedom to work independently.

Saila: I appreciate the trust and flexibility in my work. I can work independently, but I know that help is available if needed. I also like that my work offers me the opportunity to learn new things, make an impact, and develop my own skills.

How have your previous experiences elsewhere been useful in your current role?

Lauri: While working elsewhere as a person who ordered design services, I gained valuable insight into what to expect from engineering offices. I have seen first-hand examples of where external design resources are needed. I also had the opportunity to gain experience in supervisory work, which I now do at Comatec with a large team.

Saila: My previous work experience has strengthened the skills I need every day in my current role. For example, good overall coordination and scheduling skills have been essential in both my previous positions and my current job. In addition, working in different fields with a variety of teams has taught me flexibility and collaboration skills, which I consider valuable skills in the workplace.

Mark: Experience has brought confidence and efficiency to my current job duties.

What would you say to someone who is considering rejoining their former employer?

Saila: Returning to your old job can be a new opportunity: you are familiar with the work community and working methods, and you can utilize your previous knowledge while also bringing new skills to the table. You can continue to develop in a familiar environment and build an even stronger role for yourself. But most importantly, I think it’s essential to consider where you feel happy and thrive.

Mark: To others considering returning to their former employer, I would say that it is definitely worth applying if the job offer is interesting. From my own experience, I can say that it’s beneficial to be able to do work that you are already familiar with right from the first day.

Lauri: Welcome back! Comatec has a great staff and interesting work to do!

Rejoining a former employer can be a well-considered and profitable decision. It allows you to return to a familiar work environment and ways of working, while also giving you the opportunity to utilise the skills and experience you have gained elsewhere. Returning can open up new career opportunities and bring with it more responsibility or different tasks. Returnees often find the transition easy, as they are already familiar with the work community and practices. Based on these experiences, returning can be a logical step towards professional growth and well-being.