Twice a week we publish the problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Guardian Money supplement so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy's own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
After several years with a large international IT concern where I was woefully underpaid, I moved last year to another internationally recognised company on a salary which is fair. This followed months of negotiations with my previous employer about a pay rise: company headquarters said "no" despite local management backing me up.
My new job is better paid with more benefits, fewer working hours and more holiday, but I dislike the atmosphere and have not managed to make any social connections. I am the "face that doesn't fit", despite an excellent review and a salary increase this year.
Meanwhile, my previous company has struggled to replace me. I have been informally told that my old job is mine should I apply, at almost any salary. But I am apprehensive. Yes, I could get a really big increase, but it is likely my salary would then remain static for a long time, there is no scope for promotion, or even lateral movement, and the hours are worse. On the other hand, I know the job well and am very good at it, plus the department consists of my very close friends.
Should I go back? Or should I stick with what I have now: a well paid job with lots of opportunities, regular increases and really good security … but feeling sad and unhappy because nobody likes me.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy's and readers' help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or reply personally.
