Feeling Stuck in a Mid-Career Crisis? Seeking Advice on Transitioning to HR Manager Role

Hi All,

I am new to this site, and I must say that it is an amazingly informative site. I am currently going through a mid-career crisis and want to develop in the HR stream exclusively. Earlier, I have 15 years of experience in a small-scale manufacturing unit based in Delhi in the capacity of GM. However, now I am keen on taking up a job as an HR Manager Generalist in a corporate setup. Can anyone guide me on how I should go about realizing my ambition?

Why is it that the seniors are unconcerned about the queries of new members? 11 views and no replies?

Dear Gautam,

Being a small-scale industry, there is not much scope for career progression in the company. My role encompassed HR, admin, and operations. Out of these three roles, I enjoyed HR the most. Hence, I thought of making a job change in HR.

I believe it will be an uphill task to make a cross-functional change with a job change, but it won't be impossible. I am willing to go through the grind. I would welcome any suggestions on bettering myself to achieve my desired goal. Hoping to hear from you in the future too.

Thanks a ton,
Amrita (Sippu67)

Dear Rajat,

I must confess that when I saw no replies, I was very disappointed. Sometimes you need a platform as a sounding board for your decisions. That is precisely what I was aiming for.

Your understanding of my situation has been very apt. In fact, when I made the decision for a cross-functional change, I actually assessed my skills. As I lacked a formal qualification, I opted for a distance learning course in HR from Symbiosis. The course will end in August 2008, and I have performed well in it (A+ throughout).

Then I thought that a job change in the field of training would not only suit my profile but also excite me. That is the break I am looking for. Can you suggest any companies or institutes that offer courses to 'become trainers'? I am keen to learn more.

Currently, I work as a recruiter (Healthcare Vertical) with Personnel Search Services (Delhi), and it has been a good experience. However, my passion lies in being a trainer.

Thank you for all your valuable advice. I am looking forward to more interaction with you.

Regards,

Amrita (sippu67)

Dear Gautam,

Thanks a ton. At least this gives me something to work on. I am on the lookout for a job as a trainer but have not found a company that is willing to give me a break. I will keep trying.... Meanwhile, I plan to do a training course from ASTD starting in January. Do you think it would be a good idea?

Regards,
Amrita

Hi Amrita,

Thanks to Gautam's post – wherein a course from ISTD would certainly help you to achieve your goal.

Am glad that you want to become a trainer – please do read a post on this topic posted by me on this topic..here is the link

https://www.citehr.com/989-becoming-trainer.html

Best wishes,

Rajat

Dear Gautam,

Yes, I think that is what I will aim for. Maybe I could also assist an experienced trainer to learn how to conduct a module, even if it is small. I also plan to join the course at ISTD in Jan '09 when the session starts.

Will keep looking for guidance as and when I require it.

Thanks,
Amrita

Dear Rajat,

Your post on 'How to be a trainer' was very enlightening. It has helped me do a check on my strengths and weaknesses. I will finish my PGDBA by August this year. I plan to do a course from ISTD starting January 2009. Your suggestion of taking up a job with a training firm is proving to be an uphill task as most of the firms want me to first join a certification course that they conduct and then if I fare well in the course, they MIGHT offer me a job. I have approached Dale Carnegie, Mercer, Holistic Training, ECS, and Hewitt with no luck so far.

This does not deter me but makes me more and more determined to get 'there'. Is it possible that I might assist you in any training modules that you conduct in Delhi? I would be free to take on this after the 20th of August 2008. Please do let me know or maybe you could give me some references of good trainers here in Delhi whom I could contact.

Hoping to hear from you.

Regards,
Amrita

Hi Amrita,

I read with great intent Rajat and Gautam's advice to you. These are valuable pieces of advice. Another route to establish yourself in the training domain could be to work as a freelance trainer. This would require marketing your training services and yourself. You could target sectors whose competency requirements align with your own training strengths.

Good luck! I am confident that with the resolve and determination you possess, you will soon break into the HR/Training realm.

Cheers! Faizal Haque

Sippu,

Did you have any interaction with the HR role in your job? If so, what exactly? If possible, I would suggest cross-training or some form of shadowing prior to making a commitment. HR may be what you think is what you want, but I can assure you that once you are in HR, you have to commit to it completely.

In my 35 years as an HR specialist, I have seen a lot of people with extensive qualifications in HR but with no soul. I have also seen people with an innate talent for HR. If you are one of the latter, HR is the place for you.

PVQ

Dear Amrita,

Am happy that my post assisted you in understanding some aspects of becoming a trainer.

Am fully aware that you would find it difficult to find a job these big names..and therefore I would recommend the following;

Do make a module/session on a particular subject which you are really passionate about and take a session with a B- School in Delhi which am sure that they would be happy(rather delighted) to have you as a guest lecturer esp you work with one of the top placement firms in India ( as Mario would believe and say so !:)). This would test your skills and assist you in your realistic SWOT analysis. Honestly, my first workshop which came after sending 53rd proposals to B-schools wasn't a success but I learned a lot about myself and ensured that subsequent sessions had relevant changes and crisper content which even continues today.

Fully agree with PVQ “In my 35 years as an HR specialist I have seen a lot of people with extensive qualifications in HR but with no soul. I have also seen people with an innate talent for HR. If you are one of the latter HR is the place for you” . It's very true and apt.. like they say you gotta have a passion for what you do and the rest everything falls in place!. Many people think just by rattling off a ready made PPT.. they are trainers!...sorry I don't agree as one must have compassion and desire to share knowledge. Just reflect for a minute about the training programs you have attended and ask why you like some of them. There are many trainers but a very few really good ones!.

Amrita, am a trainer by passion on creative thinking( haven't done ISTD..:-P) and in my spare time do conduct the workshops whenever I get the time on my personal time on weekends. Haven't lined up yet anything so far in Delhi..may be would take a session during my visit to Delhi if am lucky that a get together is planned by Delhi CiteHR team during that time.

Best wishes,

Rajat Joshi

Hi Faizal,

Thank you for your advice. I will now work on completing small modules at my workplace or at a B school in Delhi. I will keep you posted on my progress. I am already excited at the thought of it!!

Regards,
Amrita

Hi Nairsahab,

Thanks for your cue on NIS Sparta. In fact, they are located close to my office, and I plan to pay them a visit after fixing an appointment. I have gone through their site too. It is quite interesting. As I have been given a deluge of information, I need to prioritize it all before acting on it. That will give me the action plan and the direction.

Regards,
Amrita

Dear PVQ,

I must say I was quite confused after I read your reply. Being in an SSI manufacturing unit, there was not much exposure to hardcore HR as such. It was more along the lines of IR and productivity-enhancing exercises. However, for the past 10 years, I have been actively involved in career counseling and motivational workshops for school (10+2) students and college students. I enjoy interacting with a wide variety of minds and thoughts. The idea that I can make a difference in their lives in the smallest manner energizes me and motivates me to reach out to them again and again. It can be quite challenging at times, but nevertheless...

Would you please be a little more explicit about the cross-functional training or shadowing that you have suggested? I would like to explore this further.

Cheers! Amrita

Dear Rajat,

Your suggestion on doing small modules with B-schools in Delhi is exciting. In fact, as soon as my 4th-semester exams get over next month, I plan to plunge into it with a lot of vigour. I will keep you posted.

I am looking forward to meeting you in Delhi in the near future. I wonder what Mario has to say in response to your reply ;)

Regards,
Amrita

Hi Amrita,

I read your reply to PVQ. However, for the past 10 years, I have been actively involved in career counseling and motivational workshops for school (10+2) students and college students. I enjoy interacting with a wide variety of minds and thoughts. The idea that I can make a difference in their lives in even the smallest way energizes me and motivates me to reach out to them repeatedly. It can be challenging at times, but nonetheless rewarding.

It should not be a problem to achieve your goal as long as you have the passion to make a difference in your participants' lives.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes,

Rajat

Hi Rajat,

I just came across some posts where you were answering career questions and felt the need to contact you in reference to the same for my wife.

I recently got married, and my wife now wants to work.

She has a BCom, MCom, and a PGDIT (one year).

She worked with me for 2 months as a Collection Agency Employee while I used to work as a Regional Manager at GE Money Chandigarh about 3 months back, which is also not on papers. Hence, she is a fresher.

We are all now in Delhi, staying close to Noida.

She doesn't have any other experience in her kitty as of now.

She is inclined towards learning and is ready to take on challenges at the beginning of her career, either in the field of Accountancy or in IT/ITES.

I would like to ask you a few questions...

Which field should she enter?
Is there a course that would help her get an excellent salary package?

The goal is to have faster growth and an excellent salary package.

You can reply to me here or directly at my email address [Login to view].

If you may call my wife Kulwinder Bedi directly at her phone number 9910408610, it will be so kind and nice of you.

Thanks and Regards,

Harkirat Singh Bedi

Don't You Think All Listed Courses Are More Of Money Making Rather Than Transfer Of Knowledge. Merely Certification Courses Do Not Gurantee Jobs Or Career Prospects. This Will Be Totally Misleading To Man In His Early 40's If He Has Worked In Ssi Without Any Specialization.
This Is Blind Suggestion And No Gurantee It Will Work.
If He Has To Spend 40 Lacs For Iim Then It Will Be More Beneficial To Join Abroad For Mba. That Degree Will Carry Global Weightage And Market.

Hi Harkirat,

Certainly shall try to assist your wife.

Regards,

Rajat
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Hi Rajsawster,

Really appreciate your concern.

Don't You Think All Listed Courses Are More Of Money Making Rather Than Transfer Of Knowledge. Merely Certification Courses Do Not Gurantee Jobs Or Career Prospects. This Will Be Totally Misleading To Man In His Early 40's If He Has Worked In Ssi Without Any Specialization.

For that matter all MBA institutes should be clubbed in the same category..well I believe that the transfer of knowledge is upto the individual and his desire to learn and share the same.

Inputs in all B-schools are more or less the same in terms of books and content ..however it is how it is shared and on the enthusiasm of the students makes all the difference. This is where IIMs top the list by way of attracting the best brains and talent.

Yes, I agree that they do not guarantee jobs but certainly do enhance the career prospects and these courses gives the students confidence and a platform where they work on the opportunities.

For a person in early 40s would certainly face a tough task in clearing the entrance exam of MBA in competition with the youngsters who cram up and prepare for the same. However it is seen that the people with vast experience are able to relate to the situations better at the Business school's curriculum and enhance their Managerial skills which is required in today's ever changing world.

On the lighter side, these courses couldn't save Lehman brother's.:icon6:

This Is Blind Suggestion And No Gurantee It Will Work.
If He Has To Spend 40 Lacs For Iim Then It Will Be More Beneficial To Join Abroad For Mba. That Degree Will Carry Global Weightage And Market.

Yes, no guarantee but the probability of getting a good break is higher and rest is upto the individual as how she/he utilizes the opportunity. Please remember MBA/certification courses is just a passport for the first job and thereafter one gets the breaks based on their performance.

Also, these courses costs around One lac on a average which can be recovered short time hence it is an investment.

With 40 lacs budget it may yield even better results if kept in Bank or invested in gold !.:icon10::-P:)

Cheers,

Rajat

Hi All,

Please advise me! I have completed 46 years. I have put in 23 years of service in Pharmaceutical sales. Recently, I took a sabbatical, and now that my priorities are completed, I am on the lookout for a suitable position. Kindly let me know if any of you know of a suitable position for me.

I have a question: what is your experience with distance learning - EMBA, Online EMBA programs, and video conferencing style sessions held by NIIT IGNOU in a few centers?

My friends who did enroll for these programs were highly disappointed with the learning outcomes. I spoke with various HR managers and senior HR executives, and none encouraged taking up any of these programs. They say it is useless. There is a debate on the approvals given by AICTE to any and every one in various forums.

What do you recommend for people facing mid-career crisis or even BPO and KPO employees facing early career crisis after 3-5 years of working experience and feeling stuck and frustrated?

Your comments, please, if still live.

Cheers,
MP