Should I Switch Back to HR with This New Job Offer or Stay in Insurance? Seeking Advice on Career Growth

Dear Seniors,

Hi, presently I am working with a very renowned Insurance Co. at a junior level position. Before that, I was working as an HR recruiter with a small consultancy firm. I have been with my present company for the last 2 years, meaning that I switched from HR to the insurance sector. Now, I have an offer from a very big consultancy firm for the position of recruitment consultant, which is at an AM level. Three to four recruiters will work under me.

It is true that HR has always attracted me a lot. However, I can't leave my hometown, and in my city, there are fewer opportunities for women in HR. That's why I opted for the insurance sector because it was on their payrolls. Now, I am presented with an opportunity in HR again. I am confused about whether it is good for my career to leave the corporate world and work in a consultancy firm, even though it is a very prominent one with operations across the country and internationally. I am also concerned about my growth prospects there. Will it have an adverse effect on my career?

Please suggest something.

Regards,
Shweta.

Hi Shweta,

I wouldn't like to suggest or advise you on anything here; however, I have to share something with you. Have you read the book "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"? If not, read it.

I know this won't answer your question and won't help you sort out your turmoil. However, if I were in your position, I would think this way: "Do not take up a job simply because you can do it, but do a job that you love to do." Having said that, it means that you have to work in a field in which passion comes from your heart and soul. As you said, HR has always attracted you, so I presume you like the kind of work in which your knowledge, skills, and talents are put to their best use. Furthermore, if you work hard and effectively, growth comes on its own as a byproduct. Please understand that climbing the ladder quickly is not the point; climbing the right ladder at the right time is the whole point.

Your career is what you want to pursue, not what others would like to see you doing. You have to sit back and think: what talent do you have, what knowledge do you possess, what is your aptitude, and finally, what is it that you would like to see yourself doing.

I don't know if this has helped you or confused you more! :)

Regards,
Himanshu

Dear Seniors,

Hi, presently I am working with a very renowned insurance company in a junior-level position. Before that, I was working as an HR recruiter with a small consultancy firm. I have been with my present company for the last 2 years. This means that I switched from HR to the insurance sector. Now, I have an offer from a very large consultancy firm for the position of recruitment consultant, which is at an assistant manager level. Three to four recruiters will work under me.

It is very true that HR has always attracted me a lot. But I can't leave my hometown, and here in my city, there are fewer opportunities for women in HR. That's why I opted for the insurance sector because it was on their payrolls. Now, I am getting another opportunity in HR. But I am confused: is it good for my career to leave the corporate world and work in a consultancy firm, although it is a very large consultancy with operations across the country and even outside? I am also worried about my growth over there. Will it have an adverse effect on my career?

Please, please suggest something.

Regards,
Shweta.

Thank you, Himanshu. Do you know my problem is that when I was in HR, I loved that job, and now I am starting to love my present job in insurance as well. That's why I am confused. Nothing else. My concern is, is it safe to switch from corporate to consultancy?

Dear Shweta,

On a personal note, if you have a passion for HR, then look for opportunities in the corporate world rather than consultancy. It would be quite challenging for you to switch back from consultancy to a corporate role.

To simplify my opinion further, I suggest you refrain from taking that consultancy job.

Hello Shewta,

Very well understand your predicament..and would like to Himanshu Daga for his views..excellent response !.

Thank you Himanshu for your post.

Here they are two issues ; Go back to HR which you love in the Consulting firm offer or stay in the present profile with Insurance company. The dilemma whether is it safe to switch from the corporate to Consultancy.?? And also the new assignment is located outside your hometown Indore is also another issue as well.

The answers to these questions would come from you only !. Besides reading the book by Robin Sharma ..Would suggest that you contemplate on the both the options in terms of the following ways:

SWOT analysis : Your own on the paper.

Pros and cons of two options – please write the same on the paper.

Based on the above ; you have to take a look at the facts and evaluate the options and take a call.

A word of caution : Whatever choice you make would be a right one:icon1: and never rue on the options left behind. If you want to know more about this ..read One by Jonathan Bach.

Best wishes,

Rajat

Dear Shweta,

Every job has its hazards. You have been working in your current organization for the past 2 years, and you have also started to like your current job. The best thing is that you are able to work from home. However, the final decision can only be made by you. Compare the opportunities for future growth in both sectors.

Regards,
Nitin

Thank you all for appreciating my response and being helpful to Shewta. We at CiteHR are individually responsible for the growth, success, and development of our fellow mates. I keep this understanding in my mind and try to respond to queries where I think I can contribute positively.

Thanks again,
Himanshu

Hi,

Your post clearly signifies that you are interested in an HR position but, due to some reason, you have shifted to the insurance sector. According to my view, you should shift your job to consultancy because once you start working in corporate, you may not be comfortable there. Moreover, designations don't matter; what matters is comfort and learning in your current profile/job. If you are really interested in pursuing a career in HR, then wait for and opt for some job opportunities in the corporate HR field. You mentioned that your hometown may not provide you with opportunities in HR, but, dear, if one has to gain something, he/she has to sacrifice some comfort.

So, think about it.

I am thinking Ishita. Thank you.

I am that much confused because my present company is very good. It's really very good. But in that consultancy, I am getting a very good salary hike, which I will not get in my present company at least for a year.

Here the job is safe, and in consultancy, I don't know. I will get the promotion chances every year here in my present company, but in consultancy, I don't know.

But yes, designation-wise, salary-wise, that is too in HR, the consultancy job is better.

Hi Shweta,
Do not leave the insurance sector. Joining a consultancy for a salary hike or good position would be stupidity. The insurance sector can pay you far better than a consultancy. But if you are looking for an easy-going job that doesn't need much hard work, then it's completely your choice. Even the HRs do not want to join a consultancy, so why are you spoiling your career and wasting your 2 years that you contributed to the insurance sector, just for money and designation? I am working as a corporate HR executive; if a consultancy invites me to join as VP-HR and gives me a tremendous hike, I would never join. Working in a consultancy and working in corporate make lots of difference.
If you join a consultancy after having 2 years of experience, that would be a blunder you would ever make.
The insurance sector is one which can pay you the highest.
Regards,
Durga