[widgeon13]

Question: Why didn't your old company come up with this proposal when you announced that you were leaving. I would be concerned that they want you back for their short term benefit and could screw you over in the long run.

There is no way you can leave your new position w/o burning the bridge in my opinion but you can always say the old employer offered you an opportunity you can't resist. If you do go back, give the employer two weeks notice and if they don't want to work with that, at least you have been professional about it.

Tough situation. You have to do what is best for No. 1. That's you and your family. If it's a large corp, they will understand but not necessarily like your decision.