Feeling Stuck After Resigning from My HR Job at a Startup: Should I Stay or Go?

Dear Seniors,

I have been in great confusion throughout this weekend. I have been working in a software company for the past 1.2 years and previously had thought to resign due to the company's environment and administration-related issues. Although the company has never had any complaints about me and gave me a compatible hike in my six-monthly and yearly appraisals, other factors in the organization like mismanagement and others, which cannot be put into words, time and again make me rethink quitting.

Hence, finally, I could not take it anymore and gave in to my temptation and resigned on Friday. This resignation has not been accepted yet, and I need to give my final decision by Tuesday.

The organizational factors I know are beyond improvement as it's a startup firm. However, being a BBA, I have been handling their overall HR activities and am earning a competitive salary compared to an MBA. Considering the salary status of HR professionals in the initial stages of their careers, I haven't explored any other options and plan to serve a notice period of 30 days as I need the money to survive.

Please let me know if this is a wise decision.

Also, after one year in HR with a BBA qualification, will I get good opportunities? Though I am confident in this, my friends are not. For example, when I decided to find an HR job after my BBA, I had very few supporters, but then I got what I wanted, and I am still sure that I can do it. With the forum members' support, I am doubly sure.

In the end, please advise me as I am in need of help.

Thanks and Regards,

Geeti 😢

Hi Geeti,

At the start of your career, there will be a lot of confusion about the roles and responsibilities you have to perform. The first year will be spent studying the policies, systems, and developing relationships with peers, subordinates, and superiors. Once you have a strong grasp of the department, you should begin consolidating your position from the second year onwards through hard work and a positive attitude. You must make an effort to address any negative aspects around you. If changing them is not possible, you should at least try to highlight these negative aspects to your superiors. Provide illustrations on how these negative aspects could potentially harm the department or the organization. If you still feel that things are not progressing as you would like, then you may need to consider alternatives.

It's very easy to quit, but where is the guarantee that you will not face a similar situation in another organization? Be wise and make a decision that will benefit your career in the long run.

"Tough times do not last for long, but tough people do."

Good Luck!

Regards,

PRADEEP

You are in a Shakespearean "TO BE OR NOT TO BE" situation. Pradeep has suggested rightly. You have mentioned that your present salary is comparative with profiles of higher credentials. Also, you mentioned that you have been getting six-monthly remunerative updates, and the company has no complaints against you. Of course, the members of this forum are not sure on what sort of problems you encounter or what exactly is compelling you to take this decision.

Please introspect whether you are expecting an environment which you are finding in MNCs and other organizational titans. If so, it may not happen because, as you said, your company is relatively new. The management has to experience/realize certain aspects of what you feel. Please remember, there is no ideal situation. It is a myth. Yes, in attempting to create an ideal environment, one can keep on improving the present environment. It needs a lot of time, patience, perseverance, as well as acceptance by management.

Do not quit abruptly. Try what Pradeep has rightly suggested. The "quitting" option can be taken any time. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush. A known devil is better than an unknown angel. So, GIVE IT ANOTHER TRY in your present organization.

Best regards,
Venkat

Dear Geeti,

All I wish to say is that there is no use in asking for advice and suggestions for an act that has already been committed. You have already resigned, so it is not worth discussing whether the step was right or wrong. However, I can tell you about the consequences that might take place as per Industry Norms.

A person who resigns, his/her image and career growth with the Organization will have a very big damaging effect that may take years to repair, if at all possible. The employee is never trusted and is always kept out of any career growth path. The Organization almost always looks at the person as an opportunist, not confident about himself (resigned and stayed back), having less market value (you are staying because others are not ready to pay you more than what you are getting), and exploits the employee to the fullest. So, it is better for you to resign.

Now, the above situation is not applicable in the following cases:

1) The employee is an asset and has tremendous market value, where the loss to the Company will be immense if the person leaves, and the Company feels that proper justice has not been done to his potential by the Company alone, like not giving him promotion which may be due, or not giving proper incentives, increments, or pay hikes, OR the Company does not have the capacity to retain such an employee in terms of Salary and/or Opportunity.

2) The employee is good, loyal, has a proven track record but is resigning due to injustice or personal vendetta carried out by others with a view to cause him harm, and his grievances were not redressed when he approached the Company. One of the Project Managers of a Construction Company I knew was never getting any support from the Corporate Office as his boss did not like him because of his method of working. He had a proven track record. He wrote a resignation letter directly to the Director-Projects explaining in detail why he was resigning. The Director, after receiving the letter, told him to continue and personally saw to it that his problem was solved.

So, if you fall into the above two categories, you can carry on; otherwise, it is advisable to leave the organization.

Regards,

SC

Dear Geeti,

Patience is the best medicine for any circumstances. Though I don't elaborate, as already few members suggested, kindly wait. Don't make any decisions when you are in an emotional situation. Wait for a few days. Things will be cleared, and you will feel fresh.

Wishes always,

Senthil Raj
Email: karpavi_raj@yahoo.com

Hi!

Although my experience in this field is only 2 years, I have known many who faced a similar situation as yours. So, I would like you to give it some thought. As I can understand, you are working for a startup firm. You are at the initial stage of your career. It's always better to grow along with a growing firm rather than trying to associate yourself with a big giant and not contributing much to them. Sticking to a growing firm will help you try and implement policies yourself—such opportunities are lost in an MNC. Give it some thought! Look for your value addition to the employer. Money comes to you when needed. Help your employer grow.

Your feedback is welcome. I hope this will be of some use to you.

Hi all,

Thanks for the response.

Dear Swastik,

I fall into the second category of the second point as described by you. I had a word with my HR manager today again, and I listed to him the areas where I face problems. He understood my point and convinced me to continue with the company, further adding that we would talk to our CEO tomorrow on this.

Hence, as of now, I am very much employed with the same firm and feeling at peace after discussing my problems. I will let you know the outcome of my discussion with my CEO.

Thanks and regards,
Geeti

Hi Preeti,

Actually, you can give it another thought. You have to remember one thing that is "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." It is easy to quit this job, but you have to understand that it is difficult to find one as well. It is a competitive market, and without an HR degree, any recruitment personnel will think twice before giving a job.

So, be patient and try to settle down slowly with the organization's culture. Even if you go to another company, what is the guarantee you will not face the same problem? As an HR professional, you should face the problems to fine-tune yourself. Also, think of one question: if you find it difficult yourself to adjust and adapt to an organization, how will you train your employees on this?

Relax and think that you can do it; definitely, you can do it.

Regards,
Sakthivel

Hi Geeti,

You are making a big mistake by resigning. If you want to resign, then look for a good job and then resign. You can find a good job when you are not looking for a job - this is a proven fact. Whenever you look for a job, you may not get one. But even if you do, you may not be in a position to decline if the offer is not reasonable. So, look for a job within your current job itself because you will be in an advantageous position and you can also avoid a lot of questions that arise if there is a gap in your CV.

Regards,
Vinay
9866254387

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/grou...ResourceOnLine

Hi Geeti,

All I can say is that I quite agree with Swastik. Once you have given your resignation, stick to it no matter what happens. It is better to be in a situation where you have mental satisfaction because otherwise, you will suffer mentally (in the job as you are saying) and take a rash decision.

As for getting a job, believe me, once you are in the market, only your knowledge counts and not your tag (BBA or MBA). I have come across many guys and gals (MBA tag) while recruiting. They are not worth their salt. A plain graduate is much more worthy.

So, trust yourself, back yourself to the hilt, and do what your instinct says. There is no dearth of jobs for a good candidate.

All the best.

Hi, Geeti.

All I can say is that I quite agree with Swastik. Once you have given your resignation, stick to it no matter what happens. It is better to be in a situation where you have mental satisfaction because otherwise, you will suffer mentally (in the job as you are saying) and take a rash decision.

As for getting a job, believe me, once you are in the market, only your knowledge counts and not your tag (BBA or MBA). I have come across many guys and gals (MBA tag) while recruiting. They are not worth their salt. A plain graduate is much more worthy. So trust yourself, back yourself to the hilt, and do what your instinct says. Do not lose your confidence. There is no dearth of jobs for a good candidate.

Cheer up. 😊 All the best, Rishi

MOST URGENT

Hi!

Though I'm appearing late in the scenario, I disagree with all the points mentioned above on certain aspects. Considering the current situation, I would like to add the following:

1. Don't repent - whatever you did was right at that point in time.

2. I am confident that as this company is newly established, you can gracefully manage to withdraw your resignation even at this juncture (be professional - after all, you are working as an HR professional). I personally suggest that you should consider this option and try to gain something from the situation.

3. Never make decisions based solely on immediate problems like the one mentioned - rather, make decisions aligned with your future strategies and plans. This PROFESSIONAL CUNNINGNESS is crucial for GROWTH. In the future, whenever making TOUGH DECISIONS, always have a backup plan and a second line of defense.

4. Now, while still employed in the same company, explore one or two better job offers based on your proven track record here. Subsequently, consider switching over, keeping in mind that CHANGE is often for the better.

5. I strongly disagree with my colleague who suggests that loyalty diminishes with such actions. I believe that these steps can sometimes help diffuse situations if used strategically.

6. Every company is in business, and it's essential to remember that we work with other companies for our benefit. It's a mutual agreement, and you hold the upper hand.

7. Maintain professionalism. Even now, try to leverage the situation in your favor and keep moving forward.

All the best,

Best wishes,

Alok Goel

Email: alok_26@hotmail.com

PS - The above are solely my personal views with positive intentions.

Hi All,

Thanks to everyone for thinking deeply about my problem and helping me out with this. I have already dropped the idea of resigning; rather, my HR Manager did not accept my resignation and listened to my problems. Initially, I did not mention that I was not resigning for monetary reasons. I am very much satisfied in that regard. It was the work environment, workload, and other factors that forced me to consider resigning as I lost my patience on this front. In terms of loyalty, I am sure I cannot be questioned by the organization, considering my previous record, the unwillingness of my organization to accept my resignation, and the self-acceptance of my HR Manager that it would not be possible for him to find a replacement for me. Hence, on that front, I am comfortable.

Once again, thanks for the response.

Regards,
Geeti

Dear Geeti,

You had mentioned that it's a start-up firm. As you know, any start-up firm has its own teething problems but there is an opportunity to get noticed in a positive perspective if you do a good job. The salary is also competitive as you mentioned.

In today's world, it's said that "Change is the only constant phenomenon." The situation which is today will change tomorrow, but you need to be patient. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. It entirely depends on if you can give a justified time for yourself and for the organization. If you get worked up even in an established setup which has its own problems that aren't workable, what do you do with an established setup then? Leave again? Think hard. Every place, start-up or established, has its pluses and minuses. You have to weigh if the pluses are more or the minuses are more in your present setup and decide accordingly. 😊

Regards,
Priya

Hi Priya,

Thank you! Your advice is really good. I am still with the same firm, and yes, with a positive state of mind this time.

Hi Anjali,

I agree that there are options, but as of now, I am with the same firm. This time, I will keep a backup plan if I decide to resign. :)

Warm Regards,
Geeti

Whatever you submit in writing goes into your personal file. Management can use it against you at any time.

Regards

Hi Geeti,

Even I have been working with a startup for the past one and a half years. I do understand that it's very difficult to handle a few things there.

I would also suggest the same as other members have suggested to you. I would like to add one more thing - you could have discussed it with members before taking that step because you are conflicted.

Think wisely, as with the experience you have, it's very difficult to find a similar kind of profile.

Regards,
Seema

Hi Geeti,

I can advise you on only one thing: politics are everywhere. You cannot avoid or change them, but your attitude can make a difference in happiness, fear, uncertainty, etc. All these are related to our mind. Try to divide your life into two: 1. work life 2. private life. Try not to merge them; then you can be happy.

Best wishes, Raghava :)

Hi Raghava,

Thanks, I am working on handling things as suggested.

Hi Seema,

I agree with you, but at that point in time, I actually made a reflex decision. Though I don't regret it as there were various factors piling within me that led me to do so.

Well, now that's something done, I have moved on from that phase.

Thanks,
Geeti

Dear Geeti,

It is a good sign to take such a bold step, which is not an easy one.

Sweet Geeti, the best way to quit is to search for a job before submitting your resignation. If you have already submitted your resignation and are confident that you can secure a job that meets your expectations, before making a final decision, please consider the following:

i) About the responsibilities you have

ii) In case there is a delay in getting a job, will it create financial problems for you? If yes, how will you handle it, especially if you support your family?

If you feel that you need to continue in your current job, then write a report to the concerned departmental head. Explain the problems you are facing in the organization and inquire about your future career prospects within the company. If they take corrective measures, continue with your job. Otherwise, consider leaving the job, and remember that "God will help you," as I believe.

Stay motivated because with motivation, you can achieve anything and obtain everything.

Remember, your friend's prayers are with you. Please update me about your future plans. I will be waiting for your email at [Login to view].

Best regards,

Jay

Hi Jay,

Thank you for your email. I really appreciate it. I myself am a strong believer in God, and I am hoping that things will surely be fine in the future.

Thanks and Regards,
Geeti