Have you ever quit your job and then regretted it?

Many people put a lot of time, effort and research into finding a job. Making a rash decision to quit that job can be a remorseful one.

And 23 percent of workers have regrets about leaving a former job, according to a survey from staffing firm Accountemps.

The biggest regret is leaving friends and colleagues — people you've made a connection with and had relationships with at work, said Dora Onyschak, metro market manager at Accountemps in Central Jersey. That came in at 28 percent.

Other regrets include departing for the wrong reasons and saying goodbye to a great boss or mentor.

So why leave your job in the first place?

Onyschak said dissatisfaction is a big reason. She also said there could be a limited career path in a current job. And the workload certainly has some influence.

To avoid regrets, Onyschak said "think twice before making a decision to leave."

"Look into whether or not the things you're unhappy with at your current job can be resolved, can be taken a look at, can be changed," she said.

But then you have to give your employer time to implement those changes. She said you need to be completely vested in that effort.

You also need to do research on any new job you're planning to take, she said. An interview does not always tell you the whole story. You need to take a look at that company's financial position and see what other employees have said about it, she added.

If you do decide to quit your job, Onyschak said, it's important to exit gracefully and professionally. You should schedule a meeting with your current boss to discuss your decision. Then give your two weeks notice.

Onyschak said during those two weeks, however, you still need to do your job, work hard, show respect and professionalism.

She also said to be wary of counteroffers. Once you quit, it's best not to look back and renege on your new employer's offer. This typically burns bridges and it doesn't fix the problem that you had with your original employer and why you left, she said.

If you do wind up quitting your job, but realize you want to go back to your old job, you'll need to know how to start up a dialogue with your old boss, Onyschak said.

Hopefully you left gracefully and professionally. The best thing you can do is put feelers out with former colleagues that you're still in contact with, she said.

"Linkedin is a great way to keep in contact with managers and coworkers." So connecting with them just to gauge their responses is great. Find out if there are openings in the company. Did the things you were unhappy with change? Has there been a fix to resolve the issues you had?

She said  it's very important to tell your old employer about new skills you gained at another job and inform them of the wonderful things you can bring back to the table a second time around.

If you do go back, be open to relearning your old job. Things may have changed, especially technology, and you need to be willing to adapt.

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