Feeling Lost in My New Generalist Role – Should I Stay or Look for a New Job?

Dear Seniors,

I have been visiting this website for a long time. I want you all to guide me with my problem. I am working in an electronic company, and this month I will complete my probation period. However, I am not happy with the company environment. My past experience was solely in the recruitment sector, and this is my first experience in a generalistic role. I acknowledge that I lack experience in a generalistic profile, and there is no one here to guide me. I even suspect that my MD is not satisfied with my work.

I need your help. What should I do now? Should I consider changing my job, even though the current recession period makes this a difficult decision?

I am seeking your guidance. I believe all of you can help me navigate this situation effectively.

Awaiting your reply.

Swati

Dear Smart Boy,

You have to work hard. Recruitment experience is not an experience to build a career; it is one small function among the huge HR gamut of activities. Recruitment alone does not guarantee employment because even matriculated or higher secondary students can recruit by shortlisting candidates and following up with candidates and job site data.

Your experience starts now... with generalistic HR. First of all, you have to list out the business cycle and process and figure out your role - what is your role in bringing improvement and enhancement to that business process. How can you improve and enhance the HR part in the business cycle?

Captaincook,

Then work on your HR schemes.

Dear Swati,
Then why did you keep your username as HR SMART? 🤔🤔🤔

Dear life is a challenge. When challenges come in your way, then success is sweet. So, strive with your challenge and learn many new things in life with this generalist HR profile, dear. Don't worry; we are here to help you and assist you. Be specific with your query and thank God that you got a job in Gen HR, an opportunity to showcase your skills. Enjoy, dear. Enjoy your job and enjoy the learning, and we are always here to help you.

Cheers,
RAVI 😛😛

Hello Swati,

First and foremost, a big NO for any thought of job-changing now... don't ever put in your papers unless and until you have another job in hand.

Now you may not like this. But you are really lucky to have got the break to work in a generalist HR role. I know of so many HR people who just do recruiting for years on end just because they didn't get any break into the generalist role... sort of a chicken and egg story. Frankly, the staff I have comprises such persons too. So use this opportunity to the hilt.

Regarding guiding, you studied HR subjects... right? So reopen your books and begin to correlate what you read with the actual experiences. Only then look for advice -- without you doing any groundwork, please don't expect anyone to spoon-feed you -- that may work in college but not in real life. When you ask someone to guide you, go with specific issues/questions, rather than a general query. And then inform that person what you did and where you are stuck... help will be given very willingly -- you can bet on it. In a single line: Where there is a will, there's a way.

Sorry if I didn't write what you wanted.

Regards,
TS

Dear Swati,

Precisely nothing more or less is needed than what was stated by TS. No one can guide or help except yourself beyond a point in any event in life, especially in your career.

I have been taking a training program for youngsters or people with around 2 years of experience. More often than not, they choose the field in the early years, imagining that it is a bed of roses with all their qualifications and smart ways of handling the internet and phone calls. But midway, they lose interest in the job by saying, "I am not really cut out for this job," or "this is not my cup of tea," or making all cranky statements. It is here that their attitude counts toward their altitude.

Learn anything remotely useful for your career. The learning curve should not be flat; otherwise, your earning will stop.

Being an HR person starting from a Management trainee to currently holding a Company with HR specialization, there is definitely a journey that no one, repeat, no one can avoid. The roadmap or journey in the career may be bumpy, but you must get on and continue your journey.

Think over and act.

V. Rangarajan.

Dear Swathi,

This is Rangarajan again. You mentioned 31 views but no suggestions. Please understand that views and suggestions are based on real-time observations and experiences from colleagues. Avoid overanalyzing and trying to read between the lines and languages.

All the best,
V. Rangarajan.

Dear Swati,

I see that you are working in a general profile, so you are getting exposure to many things. Since you have nobody to guide you, I would suggest that here on the Cite HR platform, many people provide help. However, losing self-confidence is very undesirable for an HR person. Take this opportunity as a challenge, and I'm sure you will perform your job very well.

Swati

Dear Swathi,

Recruitment is a part of HR activities. I think now in your present company, you have got a chance to prove yourself and a chance to become a pure HR. Don't lose this opportunity as many people are waiting for this profile. Take it as a challenge. Having experience in recruitment and getting an HR generalist profile is not a simple thing. Kindly concentrate on this job. Don't leave this profile even if the market booms up.

Regards,
Pallavi

Hi Swati,

I have been going through all replies, and I feel you are lucky to get a chance to work in an HR generalist profile. One day, you will have to work as a generalist HR as you will not be doing recruitment throughout your life. Try to learn, and if you have any queries, we are all here to help you solve them. Learn and understand, as all of this will help you grow in your career.

Sara

Hi Swati,

I too started as a Recruiter, and now my profile is different.

It's the whole gamut of HR (rather than calling myself a generalist). I see only one difference between you and me - "I hate doing tasks that I have already mastered." If there is a system that exists, it's difficult for me to just follow that. I either improvise or create if none exists.

Just see life this way - what's the point in waiting to hear from someone if they are satisfied or not? What's the point in just coming every day at 9 and leaving at 6 and having an empty feeling within?

Be open to challenges. Only when you have sensed you are not doing anything will you have the urge to CREATE something. Your boss probably expects you to be self-initiative. Nobody is there to guide you because they don't know what and where to guide you.

Your boss does not know what you are doing and what value addition you have - it's because you are just not doing anything. You should be self-initiative. And if you ask me how to start being so - a) study your company b) the business process c) the people involved d) their work conditions e) the business needs... the next point will automatically come to you f) the flaws involved.

Start working on it one by one. You have information available everywhere - you just need to take the first step from within your heart - to love what you are doing, and love yourself for what you are doing!

Take care!

Dear Swati,

You are in good books now. You have to be innovative. Moving into General HR is not an easy task. Analyze the things and take corrective measures. Don't often jump your job. Take it as a challenge and execute.

All the best.

Regards,
Valli

Hi Swati,

Here are some tasks where you can perform to meet your organization's requirements as a Generalist:

- Recruitments
- Manpower Records
- Compensation & Benefits
- Induction
- Exit Process
- Full and final settlement
- Budgeting and Manpower planning
- Talent Management
- Retention strategies
- Self Appraisal
- Pointing the KRA
- Policy updation
- Surveys

Hope this will be helpful to HR Smart. 😎

WR
Udai
(0)9994409616

Respected all seniors,

I am working at an electronic company in Lucknow as a Senior Executive HR. I find myself weak in English and also struggle with communication skills, especially with my superiors. Please help me improve both areas and guide me on maintaining my confidence level.

Regards,
Shekhar Srivastava
Senior Executive HR
FUSION ELECTRONICS PVT. LTD.

Swati, I must say that you are very lucky to have been able to get a generalist profile after being only in recruitment. Don't let the frustration get to you. Hang in there and show your mettle. There are a lot of people who would like to be in your position.

Cassy

Hi,

I guess you are lucky that you got a chance to work in an HR Generalist profile. Give extra time to your work, and I am sure you will learn it; experience matters. Please don't leave the job. 😊

Dear Swati,

Don't try to change your job until and unless you have another job in hand. Remember, recruitment is also a part of HR, and slowly your profile will evolve into a General Profile based on your interest area and performance. It's a real challenge for you.

ALL THE BEST!

Regards,
Archana

I can understand your problem, but you have to first understand what you mean by generalization. As far as I can understand, you are handling multiple responsibilities. This is actually great. I would strongly suggest you stick to the company, learn, and implement some new ideas. It seems this company is a proprietorship company. This is a good opportunity for you to upgrade yourself by putting some thought into doing something new. Ask people around there. It's no harm. Speak to your MD; that's difficult but pays off in case you are reporting to him.

Hope this helps. I was in a similar kind of situation earlier. I understand that. You have to think of a career rather than just a job; that will make sense. Good luck.

Tahir

Hi Shekhar Srivastava,

First and foremost, don't think that you are weak in something; think the other way that you are improving it with practice. English is a very easy language and funny too. It's funny because the funnier it is, the easier it becomes. You should start thinking in English. Even when you want to eat, think that you're going to eat. Don't think in your regional language and reply in English; that's the worst practice. My friend, start cracking jokes in English. Keep your tongue relaxed, which will enable an easier flow of words. And don't worry. Good luck!

Mail me back with a lot of bad words if it doesn't work, but mail me back in English. 😄
Tahir

Hello, sir. I am CHIRAG BHURIA, a student of B.K SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT in AHMEDABAD. I am going to specialize in HR, but for that, I need to go on a 2-month summer internship in a good firm. I want to do a project on job involvement or competency mapping. Please guide me or consider me for an internship in your organization.

Regards,
CHIRAG (FUTURE HR)

Hi Swati,

Try to complete your probation period. Don't leave this job until you have an offer letter from another company. In times of recession, it's not wise to leave your current job.

Regards,
Sumit Sah

Hi Swati,

I am also facing the same problem. But there is hope that in the near future, I will learn so many things. However, I am not involved in recruitment. I am trying to be a part of each and every activity of HR. Initially, I thought of leaving the job, but then I realized that it's not a wise decision. Don't leave the job until you have a new one in hand. It might be a great experience at the start of our careers.

Thanks,
Smita

Dear Swati,

It's advisable not to leave your job because wherever you go, you will face challenges, and you have to overcome them. Only then can you be successful. Consider my example - I was a fresher from an IT background and I got a job in an HR Generalist profile. Initially, I was not aware of anything. But now, after one year of experience, I can proudly say that I am capable enough to handle any HR work.

So, relax and all the best for your career.

Regards,
Revathi Pillai

Recruitment is a small function in the HR gamut, it's good that you have this opportunity to work as a generalist, now its time to work and prove yourself.

Change is not the right decision at this time

Dear Swati,

Don't get frustrated because in any co. person takes 4-6 months to understand the Co profile, knowledge about product, functions of different departments. I think by this time you must have got a knowledge about all these factors, so now you can start your actual work of HR.

HR Always look after how a human being can give more from what is expected from him.
HR takes care about following things
a) Infra structure provided to perform a job
b) Benefits given to the individual
c) Continuous development of an individual at all the levels (Posts)
d) Assessment of his performance should be in a right manner
e) HR works on the attitude of all the employee
f) HR work towards cultural development of an Organization.


Now you need to start following things:
1. Understand if any HR Manual is there OR start Preparing HR Manual
2. Find out about how much employees are clear about their JDs & KRAs
3. Collecting suggestion from Sr. employees about how they want their HR

If you need my help more

call me 9323584533
Tanuja Gokhale
Psychologist
HR Consultant

Hi Swati,

First thing is to keep your cool. As we all are aware of the market situation:

1. Do not leave the job.
2. Give your best even if you are not satisfied with the atmosphere. (Remember, the grass looks greener on the other side which is not always true! Or in other words, a known devil is better than an unknown friend) to be precise.
3. Keep your MD updated with your work status (if possible on a daily basis).
4. Keep searching for a new job, but don't leave this job before you have an appointment letter for another job.
5. Regarding guidance: "Some things you have to learn by yourself or through experience." You can use Google.com for searches or visit avaxhome.ws for books where you can find good references. Alternatively, you could join a library.

Last but not least, my best wishes for your future success.

Don't think that you cannot do it! That's it! It's your attitude that changes the world for you. Recession or no recession, nothing is perfect; you need to make your efforts. If your seniors can't help you in the company, help yourself. Most of the successful people are self-made.

Do a lot of research about HR and its various areas. Recruitment is good, but there is so much to learn in HR. We can help you if that's possible, but you must decide that you want to do it! Thanks

Dear HR City,

Hi, I left an organization 3 years back from Jharkhand, and now I live in Delhi. I have a loan from Jharkhand referred by my organization. I want to repay my loan against PF, but they say that I am liable to provide an NOC letter from the bank. How can I provide this? Please suggest if there is a way out where I am not required to give an NOC letter to the company to receive my PF. Also, in this situation, how many days will it take to get the PF?

Thank you.

Hi Swati,

Don't put yourself into trouble for small things. You are lucky enough to have such a good profile with you. Don't quit, but find out solutions.

Sanat

Dear Swati,

As you have completed your probation period and are still continuing in your job, there are some positive things in you that have kept you there. One more thing to consider is that any work environment may not always meet people's expectations, but individuals should be willing to adapt to the environment they are placed in. My suggestion is: don't quit the job and face the challenge head-on. Nothing is impossible if you have the desire and will to succeed. Slowly, you will transition into a more generalistic role and may even begin to enjoy it.

Shiv

Hi Swati,

To add to what the others have said:

1. What is making you unhappy? Is it due to a lack of skill or something else? Can you upgrade yourself in this regard so that you can perform better?

2. Is there someone in the company you can talk to frankly? If so, ask this person what is preventing you from performing better. If no one is there, can you speak to the MD?

3. What is it that you want to do? What excites you or what are you good at? Is it possible to do this in the present company?

All the best,
Suresh

Hi Swati,

I am a SAP Consultant, my first job and first experience with SAP. You know, when I went for the interview, I did not know the full form of SAP. I got selected and started working; it was a matter of chance. When I joined, no one was here to guide me, and I didn't receive any help from anyone. But I stuck to it and tried to learn on my own. Now I am implementing SAP-HR in many good and big companies. This is the power of self-learning.

Though it's tough, it's also interesting and challenging. No one can teach you in HR; it's not a spoon-feeding exercise. Keep faith in yourself and go ahead. Do not dare to leave the job, not because of the market or recession, but it will show your cowardice. Show that you have an HR personality. We are the change agents of any organization.

All the best, and contact me for any help at akhilesh.hr@gmail.com or 09993531878. We are always here to help.

Dear Swati,

You started your career as a recruiter. What was the next thing on your mind in recruitments? To be a Sr. Recruiter? Recruitment happens to be just one of the functional areas of HR. You must have joined as an HR Generalist, with some plans and with a zeal to perform. If you lose it, then you will end up doing recruitments. Take my word, if now you will do recruitments, you will not be happy with it. You have got an opportunity that most people in HR cry for their whole life. Praise yourself for a good task, and if you feel you are wrong, ask your seniors, friends in HR, anyone. One cannot master his profession. If you feel you have or you can, then you will never learn. Don't leave this job. Be a fighter, don't give up.

Dear Seniors,

I have been visiting this website for a long time. I want you all to guide me in my problem. I am working in an electronic company, and this month I will complete my probation period. But here, I am not happy with the environment in the company. As my past experience was totally in the recruitment sector, and this is my first experience in a generalistic profile. I am expecting that I don't have much experience in a generalistic profile, and nobody is here to guide me. I think even my MD is not satisfied with my work.

So, I need your help. What should I do now? Should I change my job now, but this recession period stops me from doing this. I need your help. I know all of you can guide me properly. Awaiting your reply.

Swati

Dear Seniors,

I have been visiting this website for a long time. I want you all to guide me with my problem. I am working in an electronic company, and this month I will complete my probation period. However, I am not happy with the environment in the company. My past experience was entirely in the recruitment sector, and this is my first experience in a generalistic profile. I acknowledge that I do not have much experience in a generalistic profile, and there is no one here to guide me. I believe even my MD is not satisfied with my work.

I need your help. What should I do now? Should I change my job, but the current recession period is stopping me from doing so. I need your guidance. I know all of you can guide me properly.

Awaiting your reply.

Swati

Hello,

I wish to suggest three options with this sentence:

1. The system should be clear from the inside by yourself by hook or by crook. If you do not have the courage for such things, you can seek help from others as well because you are not alone in the system. There are many people in the system besides you.
2. Leave this type of system, but this type of system is present worldwide.
3. Merge with this system.

I suggest you choose options 1 and 2 for yourself.

Thank you. If you do not understand, please clarify the problem.

From: memkm@ymail.com

When I read what you have stated here, I went back to the times when I was confused in my new job. Like you, I initially specialized only in recruitment, but in my current job, I am asked to handle everything from manpower planning to Employee Exit on my own.

This is indeed a challenge. However, we must accept challenges where we see a scope for our own development. You are widening your horizons while being in the generalist HR field. And what is most important is YOUR INTEREST in the work.

If I understand you correctly, you are quite enthusiastic about your new role. Speak to your MD about your wish to learn more from this job. Your boss is the best person to guide you since it is his expectations and assessment that carries more weight. Also, you can interact with the different functional counterparts like Finance, Operations, etc.

Last but not least, read more and more about the company values and goals and the best practices, if any, in your organization. And of course, you have this wonderful community CITE HR!!!

But please never think of quitting unless you are not ambitious!!!

Hope my words prove helpful.

Best of Luck,
Deepa

Thank you very much, seniors, for your valuable suggestions. I want to clarify the current situation in my company. What I think is everybody has some excitement to come to their office, to work there, or love to work there. However, when I wake up in the morning, I don't feel these things. In my past working place, I used to enjoy working. I am not saying that you all are wrong; you all are right. I know I should accept the challenges. But when I do not have a feeling from within, what should I do? After gaining recruitment experience, I was thinking that now I will work under an experienced HR manager, learn all the activities carried out by an HR manager, and then move towards a managerial profile. This is what I think.

Now I want your suggestion. My MD wants me to do something new, but what I want is to have a manager to whom I can turn to, discuss the problems. My MD just points out the negative aspects of my work, which demotivates me.

Awaiting your reply.

Swati

Hi Swati,

If you think even before doing a new thing that you will receive negative feedback, you will not be able to do anything. I am telling you, do the task not for the comments from the MD, but for the betterment of the process. And how sure are you that a manager would be the best person to guide you? Be happy that you have direct interaction with the MD. Take this as a chance to prove yourself. Learn. If you fall, learn to get up, rub the mud away, and walk with your head up! I am also in your situation - I have no manager to report to - but I directly talk to the MD. I know it's not always a great feeling, and I have 2 MDs and a Chairman to interact with. I only have two years of experience in recruitment and a little bit of training. But after joining here, I too woke up a few mornings, crying like a kid not interested in going to school.

But then I learned that the change had to come from within.

Don't give up. Now your first task - to do something innovative, right? Forget the other ghosts in your mind - whether your boss will like it or not is not the problem. You can make him like it by your creativity in it! I saw a post where you asked about "Individual assessment," so try SWOT analysis.

First of all, wait for at least six months. Look for a good organization where you think you will be in a comfortable position. Now, the right time arrives for a switch over. Please do not make a hasty decision.

Hello Swati,

Let me ask you one thing... Are you looking for a ready-made answer or the route map to handle your present situation? Be very clear that you have to fulfill your role even while asking for help. You mentioned four types of work you can do in your new job and also that you have been a member of CiteHR for some time now. Didn't it ever occur to you that this very portal might have the inputs you are seeking and all you needed to do was browse and get on with the job rather than asking everyone? Time is valuable, whether it's yours or others'.

Not that you shouldn't ask... but first, do your homework and then ask. Here is the link you can go to get all the inputs - and many more - and say thanks to Octavious: [https://www.citehr.com/99968-major-hr-links-10.html](https://www.citehr.com/99968-major-hr-links-10.html)

Regards,
TS

Hi Swati,

I must tell you that you have a golden opportunity to showcase yourself in a huge gamut of HR. Many people are keen to work in a generalist profile, but they don't get it. You are very lucky. Opportunity and its realization never come together. So try to understand it in both ways. Don't quit unless you get a good job. Just concentrate on your assigned tasks by giving your 100 percent, and if you get stuck at any point, then take help from seniors. They are always here to help people like us.

All the best!
Parul

Hi Tajsateesh,

Thank you for sharing the Major HR Links. The links posted by Octavious were not known to me. I have come to know because of you. Many thanks again!

Parul

It's very tempting to accept your Thanks, Parul... but like I said - say that to Octavious :p. It's like the reverse of shooting the messenger of bad news!!!

Rgds, TS

Dear Swati,

I am also new to the company, and the HR department is new to this company. I get a chance to do things for the first time without guidance or encouragement. However, if we believe in HR and trust that the HR department can make a good contribution to the company, we must convince our employer, employees, and all other parties that the HR department can develop human resources, develop HR procedures that will help the company become strong in competition, achieve its goals, and adapt to changes in the competitive landscape.

Basically, we have to convince them, and then we will receive recognition, praise, money, and things that make our jobs more enjoyable. :)

Regards,

Pratap M Kamble

Hi,

I am a B.Tech engineer in Electronics and Telecommunication, currently searching for a job in the electronics field. I am interested in joining your company since it is an electronics-focused company. Could you please provide me with your email ID so that I can send you my resume?

Thank you.