Feeling Stuck in a Male-Dominated Workplace: Should I Risk a Job Change for Better Prospects?

Dear Seniors,

I am working for a Pharma company as an HR Manager, which is quite established and mainly into exports. I have been working here since January. To be very honest, I am not happy working here. I am not sure how comfortable it is to give the details on the public forum. I can only say it's a male-dominant company. Women are never appreciated for what they do.

I recently interviewed with a manufacturing unit for the same position. The company is only two years old and setting up their HR department. I was selected there with a significant raise. Now, I am confused. Should I join the new company or stick with this company and wait for better prospects? I also feel that leaving this company so soon could spoil my resume.

Please help. I need your reply.

Hi Kulvir,

If I were in your position, I would look for two things:

1. Can I change my situation in the present company? If yes, then I would give it one more try.

2. Is the new company a good one in terms of clients, revenues, and sustainability? If the answer is yes for the second point and no for the first point, then I would lean towards the new company.

3. Is the company affected by the recent downturn? If yes, can it survive through the downturn? If the answer is yes for this point, yes for the second point, and no for the third point, then I would have almost decided on the new offer.

4. The final point is: does the new company have equal opportunity employment terms? It is usually stated, but you would need to do some research to determine if it is upheld. If the answer is yes for the fourth point as well, then I would accept the offer; otherwise, no.

This is my thought process, but it may differ from person to person, and you will be the final decision-making authority.

Dear Kulvir,

Don't take more time to decide. When you said this company is not suitable, leave it and try this new company. Why are you thinking this will spoil your career? Feel that this company will give you a good opportunity. This is a new company, setting up of HR. Then, you will be the important person, have to interact with all. Seeking new things to make systematic will help you to improve your self-confidence and self-motivation too.

All the best... do well, make yourself comfortable...

Kulvir,

I am happy you got another job. But how many times are you willing to change? I am not being negative. Do you know what is in store for you in the next company? It's not easy. Think about it a lot before you decide on a change, especially at this point in time. Don't forget that you are an HR Manager for the company. Gender should be the last thing coming to your mind.

Hi Kulvir,

Have you had a talk with your seniors, and are they aware that you are feeling discriminated against? I am a female, and I know how frustrating this is. If they don't know, I think you should bring it to their notice.

As far as the company changing, as long as you are getting an opportunity to set up an HR department, I think it's going to be a very valuable experience. It will show your credibility in your CV and demonstrate how capable you are. If you have spent more than a year and a half in this company, it won't spoil your CV if you switch.

The rest, of course, listen to yourself. You know your situation better than us.

I have sympathy with organizations that offer you a position in their organization. Because if an HR manager like you cannot distinguish what is good for you, what kind of HR manager are you? Your current employer ignored you because of this problem in your personality, which is confused. To become a manager, one needs to have at least minimal experience to develop the ability to make decisions, which is missing, and you are confused.

If you are not happy in your present employment, there is no point in hanging around. Since you have cleared the selection process in another company, why the hurry? Please move on, as you are sure of better pay and environment.

Dear Kulvir,

As you are saying that you are not happy with your job in the present company, kindly leave it. It's your talent that will help you to improve yourself and your career in your new company as well as in future companies. I am saying this because "Job Satisfaction" is a very important factor to consider.

All the very best, dear.

With Best Wishes,
Thilak

Dear Madam,

You will be leaving the present organization because you are not comfortable working here, which will be genuine on your part. Don't worry about your future prospects; focus on the present need and believe in yourself. Give an honest answer wherever you want to go to the interviewers, who may turn into your prospective employers.

Regards,
Avinash Singh

I understand your problem. Actually, it happens. But before giving you any solution, I need some more inputs from your side. Like - total number of employees, level-wise breakdown of males and females, do you have job descriptions for all employees or a discrimination policy, code of conduct. Your write-up makes me understand that you do not have an issue with equal opportunity. The solution to your problem needs some tactical methods. Facing the problem is the only way to come out of it and develop a professional career.

Regards,
Rakesh

Hello,

Choosing a new employer is always a tricky affair.

Your reason for looking for another job is your feeling of being dominated/ignored in the present company. And you are tempted to join a manufacturing company as it offers two incentives - much higher emoluments and an opportunity to quit the present job.

The way you need to look at the situation is:

1. Have I done enough to make peace, establish myself, harmonize relations, etc.? Here the number of efforts does not matter. If you are satisfied with the inputs that you have given to the situation so far to establish yourself in the present job, that is all that should count. If your answer is YES, you have a few other issues to consider, viz: Am I equipped to handle new responsibilities? Are the new people (management) patient enough to wait for results? Are they themselves clear about what they want from a new HR person? Often people use all the right words without understanding one bit!

2. In the new company structure, as I understand from your mail, you will be the head and will have to establish the HR function there. That means you need answers to all the questions that may/will come up from time to time.

3. In your situation, I feel you need to work under a good senior in an established company, learn the tricks of the trade (as it were), get solid foundational experience in the function before you venture to fly solo!

4. Often, an effective "dialogue" with seniors and superiors is able to resolve a lot of matters.

But you know your situation the best. None can or should sit in judgment on your situation. All that I felt is that unless you are equipped to fly solo in the profession, changing from one to another for such reasons as stated by you is not a very good idea.

Your first objective should be to achieve (relative) professional autonomy in terms of knowledge and skills.

Think over and raise more questions if you like!

Cheers
Samvedan
Nov 23, 2008

Dear Kulvir,

If you are not happy with your current job and have an option to move out, don't think twice. You only need to take into consideration that this new firm doesn't prove to be a bigger jerk than your old one. Also, you need to be confident enough that you can start a new department without support, as I have experience setting up a new department when I joined my company. I missed the experienced hand.

For more clarity, you can contact me; I will be happy to help.

Regards,
Deepak
9216496501

Hi Kulvir,

I think all the replies out there are pretty insightful for you to consider. I may be incorrect, but generally, manufacturing setups are male-dominated. This insight comes from my 14-15 years of experience. I am currently working for a manufacturing setup and align closely with what you have said. It is a startup organization with plenty of opportunities to enhance HR processes and systems. However, at the end of the day, one can grasp the underlying organizational functioning, as the culture is shaped and articulated by the top management.

I recommend seeking more information about the new organization you are about to join. Understand the management style and how they operate. Gain insights into how they plan to develop the HR function, the key areas of focus, and if they are facing challenges. If they are in disarray, then consider declining the offer. It may indicate they need someone to address basic operational issues, which could lead to frustration for an ambitious and forward-looking individual.

Wishing you all the best and good luck with your decision. May the choice you make lead to the best outcome.

Regards,
Priya

Hi Kulvir,

I understood your problem. My suggestion is, leave the present one and grab the new. There are two aspects. One is, in your present establishment you are not comfortable, after completion of more than 10 months. It could be presumed that you will not get conformability if you stay here another few months. 10 months is enough to get conformability with any Organisation. Secondly, the new Organisation is only two years old. I belief the new offer is challenging and you can get more experience when you are starting a department from scratch. Only thing is required that is your confidence. If you are confident about your performance, please go for new offer.

Best of Luck for new assignment…

Don't think of leaving your job unless you have an offer in hand. It's difficult to get decent jobs in the current scenario.

Regards,
Jayson

Dear friend,

Don't be upset, as this is common in the world. Discharge your duties with honesty and sincerity. If it becomes too much, inform your top management. Let's see what they will do. Stay positive in life; otherwise, society will bring you down.

Good luck,
Manjunath

Dear Kulvir,

In my opinion, you should consider making a shift because you mentioned that your prime responsibility would be setting up an HR Department with many systems in place in accordance with your company's goals. So, do not overthink it; remember, success comes to those who dare to change. Go ahead, success awaits you!

Pramod Sulakhe
Goa.

Dear Kulvir,

You have got a new job with a significant hike, which is really good. Don't think that the new company's profile is not good because it's a golden opportunity for you to prove your skills there and gain new experiences in the manufacturing industry. So, don't worry about your current job. Leave your current job properly, join your new job, and showcase your skills there. All the best.

Regards,

Jay