Should I Choose a Higher Role with Longer Hours or Stay in My Current Job? Seeking Advice from HR Peers

Dear seniors,

I am a bit confused, so I am here to discuss my problem with all of you, my HR friends. I hope you will definitely suggest the best way.

Currently, I am working with a multiplex brand in the capital of a new state as an HR Executive for the past 8 months.

I have received an offer from a manufacturing concern that specializes in Power Manufacturing with a new power plant in the state. Besides, they have various businesses, all in manufacturing.

The position offered is that of AM - HR and Admin with a salary hike of around 50% on my current CTC. However, this company is local. If I join them, I will have the opportunity to manage a workforce of around 500 - 600 people whereas currently, I am handling 70 staff at my plex.

The main issue revolves around the working hours. At my current workplace, my duties are from 9 to 6, but the new company requires me to work from 9.30 to 8.

Being newly married, my husband also works, and his working hours are from 9.30 to 6.30. I have tried to discuss the working hours with the new company, but they insist that working until 8 is part of their culture.

They want me to join from 1st November, and the decision is entirely up to me. I am finding it difficult to make a decision.

My current concern cannot offer me a better opportunity as the HR Executive is the highest level of HR at the unit, leaving no room for growth here.

Please, could you suggest what I should do?

I am feeling very depressed when thinking about my career.

Thank you.

Hi Sujata,

I can understand your predicament. I would suggest you to review the following:

1. Commuting distance from your home to the new company. Compare it with your current company. Calculate the commuting time from home to office. If feasible, consider relocating your home closer to the new company.

2. Working until 8 PM is a common practice in most private companies in India. Determine if this is a permanent schedule or temporary until you settle in the new company. Check how your future colleagues manage this (through direct or indirect sources).

3. How flexible is your husband regarding the timing? Discuss with him and seek his advice (he would be the best person to advise you in this situation).

4. If you prioritize career growth, you may need to compromise on some personal factors initially. Evaluate how comfortable you and your husband are with making these compromises.

Reflect on these points to gain clarity in making your decision.

Wishing you all the best.

Regards,

David Wilson

Dear Sujatha,

No one can give a better solution for your query than your husband. I think you should discuss with him first and consider his interest in allowing you to work up to eight hours or not. This approach will solve the problem.

From another perspective, you have to consider whether you can handle 600 employees or not. Currently, you are managing only 70 employees. While it may not be difficult to handle, the workload pressure will be high.

Therefore, think twice and make a well-informed decision. All the best.

Regards,
Uday.

Dear David and Uday,

Thank you very much, friends, for your suggestions. I had a talk with my husband, and he doesn't have any issue if I work till 8. The only thing is that my current company is a multinational brand and belongs to the multiplex business (Hospitality and Retail), while my potential company is in Manufacturing. It's a group company with different manufacturing units of Rolling Mills, Power Generation, and Sponge Iron. From a career growth perspective, which one do you think would be better?

Regards,
Sujata

In my opinion, it is advisable to remain in the existing company itself. HR in a marketing/retail company is generally easier compared to a manufacturing company, as the latter involves more industrial relations (IR) issues than human resources (HR). Additionally, working with employees in the manufacturing sector can be demanding, especially since it often involves shift work that may not be suitable for women.

Consider exploring opportunities in IT, marketing, or retail sectors, as these industries may be more aligned with your preferences and skills.

Dear Sujata,

I guess you will have to discuss this with your husband and take some input from him. I am sure he might not feel good about the extended work hours - but both of you need to set your priorities together. Life will not always be the same - meaning, not always will you be stuck with this job. You need to sacrifice a few things during the initial period of your career (I will call this initial period the first 5 years of anyone's career).

As long as you can stabilize this first 5-year period and reach a good level, I think managing other opportunities will be a smooth flow for you.

Just make sure the work is something you can manage in the new assignment.

Sometimes when we avoid taking an opportunity like this by putting family in the front, it may not help in the long run. Also, if you put your career ahead of personal life, even that can be dangerous. So talk to your husband, make sure he suggests and guides you through this. The conversation should not be emotionally packed, so start with listing your priorities in life - what needs to be managed, what kind of financial commitment both of you have.

I am sure things will go fine - feel free to touch base anytime you'd require help.

Take care.

And also about the role - yes, moving forward you will have to assume greater roles and greater responsibilities. Just make sure that within the next 2-3 years (when you complete 5 years of working), you should strive to become the best in the industry. Don't be worried about "what if things go wrong." It will be fine.

Dear Ash,

Thanks, yaar! I had a talk just now with the management of the company. They are saying that I may leave the office by 7 or 7.30. Now, I am feeling better as they understand my problem.

Friends, I will come to you if I need your suggestions.

Regards,
Sujata

Dear,

Two things for consideration:

You are currently working in the service industry and planning to move to manufacturing. It's a crucial step to take, as it is very predictable to get typecast as Production HR, which can later prove to be a constraint.

Even if the management agrees to limit your timings, it's very unlikely that they will do so. For employees in the management department, there are no definite working hours. So please be cautious about it.

It would be the best way to speak with your husband and try to find practical and ideal solutions. Working hours may not be a constraint if discussed and understood between yourselves. I feel that the present role you are about to take on encompasses greater responsibilities, so considering your career and the advice from others to move forward, you should be prepared to handle these increased responsibilities. I anticipate that the role will be both energetic and pressurized! I wish you all the best in your new role!

Dear,
Two things for consideration:
You are currently working in the service industry and planning to transition to manufacturing, which is a crucial step to take. It is very likely that you could become typecast as a Production HR, which could later prove to be a constraint. Even if management agrees to limit your hours, it is highly unlikely that they will do so. For employees in the management department, there are no definite working hours. Please be cautious about this.

Hi,

I am not such a big man to advise you, but as per your message, I can understand your thirst for this new job. So, do anything as per your desire, even if we have to sacrifice something for our betterment in our career.

Regards,
Damu