have you ever turned in a letter of resignation and then changed your mind? texted your boss when you were upset about something and said, “i quit!” and then, after you calmed down, realized that wasn’t the best idea? or what about resigning because you have a new job all lined up, but then that falls through? these things happen all the time to people and then they write me (evilhrlady@gmail.com) and ask me what they can do to get their old job back.

the answer is usually nothing. managers don’t often allow you to rescind a resignation—even if your reasons seem perfectly logical to you. for instance, if you resign because your childcare fell through, but then your neighbor offers to watch your kids, why shouldn’t your boss welcome you back with open arms? after all she’ll have to hire and train someone to replace you and that costs money. why not just keep you on?

to keep reading, click here: 5 reasons your boss won’t take you back after quitting