Feeling Stuck in Sikkim: How Can I Transition from HR Recruitment to a Generalist Role?

Hi All,

I am working as an HR personnel and am currently based in Sikkim. I am seeking a change of job urgently as the culture out here is not very conducive to an energetic work environment, plus the growth opportunities are next to nil. If somebody has a vacancy in any position in HR, please let me know.

What are the opportunities in the Generalist area, and if I take up recruitment initially, what is the scope of changing to the role of a generalist? Also, how advisable will it be to take up a job on a contract basis to move out of this place and then look for a permanent position?

Keenly waiting for your responses...

Regards,
Puja

Hi,

For a competent person, a job change is not a big hassle!

I have understood your complaints about the present environment. A little more on your efforts to overcome the problems would have been welcome. But since you seem to have made up your mind on a change, your chances will depend upon the profile of your experience and your potential as would be seen by new interviewers.

If you have had a broad spectrum of experience, a change to a generalist's role is certainly possible, but it is advisable to work with a senior generalist and gain insights into the role before you may like to venture on your own.

There is nothing wrong in accepting a suitable assignment on contract as a stopgap arrangement until you find an acceptable job, but if you do take such an assignment, I wish you would complete the initial contracted period before you actually change again.

When you do not like the job profile or the work environment at one organization, your desire to change is natural. But as HR professionals, is it not our responsibility also to make the work environment more conducive for all? If we only ignore this responsibility and change at the first possible provocation, what will others do? And what will happen to the organization?

Kindly mull over these points before you consider a change. We are bound to make at least reasonable efforts to tackle the environment before we wish to leave, and I am sure you have done that. Changing a job is relatively easy and will satisfy your personal exigencies and preferences, but tackling the environment is a professional commitment and far more satisfying and helps you grow professionally!

I have presented a viewpoint. Consider it for what you think it is worth!

Regards,

Samvedan

September 16, 2006

Hi Pujs,

I completely agree with Samvedan. Look for a change, but at least do something in the present environment so that the newcomers who join will remember you. You will also have the satisfaction of doing something for others (personal views).

Regarding a job, you should not have any problem in getting one. However, make your priorities clear in terms of what you want from the job. If it is the right job profile in the right company, it is better to wait for the right opportunity because you are not losing anything. But if you are really fed up with your current environment, then look for a stop-gap solution and leave immediately because at least you will be better off mentally.

These are my personal views.

Regards

Dear Samvedan, Rishi,

First of all, thank you for your reply. Let me ask you a few questions:

1) What will you do if you have heard from various sources that your immediate boss wants the organization to fail?

2) The organization is full of retired people (well, almost), and most young people are planning to leave for a government job.

Frankly, I don't know if I have given my 100%. There are times I feel I could have done more. Every time I have taken initiatives to put things in place, there has been discouragement from all ends. I know change requires a lot of time, and resistance will be there, but practically working here, I have observed a few things.

If someone senior were in my position, he/she would be better accepted by everyone. Experienced people are what they want.

If some senior HR were in the organization, I would have liked to stay back. This could be one of the most challenging jobs, but to put everything in place would require 3-4 years (remember, we are talking about changing attitudes).

There are other things that are confidential to the organization, and I can't discuss in a forum. Also, for personal reasons, it's way too lonely in Sikkim.

And Rishi, I have done a few things here for which people will remember me. One, I have initiated the process of following Statutory Compliances, and two, for the workers in the hospital, I have made a system that ensures they are paid every month, even though it's still not on time.

Thank you for your inputs, but I think it's time I made a move.

Please let me know if you think I am giving up easily. I would like to work on it.

Regards,

Puja

Hi Puja,

People may give you a lot of suggestions. I can empathize with you. Ultimately, you have to make the decision. The scenario you are citing - if you feel you have done enough, just quit and start searching for a job. Please let me know where you would like the job, and I can provide you with some job postings.

Regards,

Hi Rishi,

Thanks. Actually, I'm going to Bangalore next week to speak to a few people regarding the same. So, I was hoping to get as many contacts as possible. I will be there for 2 weeks.

If you have any contacts I can speak to in Bangalore while I'm there, it'll be very helpful. Also, if you know of any HR consultancy I could speak to, please let me know.

Thanks & Regards,
Puja

Hi Puja,

Nice to see your message in this forum. I heard that you are coming to Bangalore. There was an opening in Cranes... I'll check with Ankur and get back to you. Don't worry, for a person like you, there are lots of jobs available in the market. And I'm sure you will get one.

Good luck, Shweta :)