Should I Leave My Stable Job for a New HR Role in a Small IT Company? Seeking Advice!

Dear Friends,

I have been offered an HR job in a software company, where I am asked to handle HR-related functionalities, administration job, as well as front office duties.

Firstly, I would like to brief you on some details regarding this company:

1) This is an ISO 9001-2000 Quality Certified IT Company.

2) Currently, they have one product in the market.

3) They started just 3 years back (in 2002).

4) The total strength is 20 people, including the Director.

My query to all of you is: should I opt for this job to start up my career in Human Resources? Presently, I have been working for an MNC for the past 3 years as an Administrator. I have always been looking out for an opportunity where I could place myself in an HR department, and this offer has come as a blessing to me. Though this offer seems very appealing, the only concern is the credibility of the company. Is the company authentic enough for the long run?

Would it be a wise decision to leave a fully functioning company for something that is yet to prove or show its credibility? What points should I take into consideration before accepting this job?

Kindly advise!

Zenobia.

Dear Zenobia,

First, review your own values:

- Are you seeking challenges/developments in your career plan?
- Are you seeking safety/security?

You cannot have both; it is always either one of the two at the growth stage.

Second, review the current company:

- Current performance
- Development programs
- Future plans
- Opportunities for you
- How are you perceived in the company?
- Current performance management reviews
- Perception within the company as a future potential
- Challenges available within the company
- In 3 years, what have you achieved? (Why didn't you achieve more?)
- What blockages/barriers exist that you cannot break

Third,

- What do you want to be in the future?
- Are you aiming to be a consultant/CEO/director of HR?
- Evaluate your own goals

Fourth,

- Scope the new opportunities from all angles, including salary growth, learning opportunities, growth opportunities, etc.

Fifth,

- Gather all suggestions and weigh them with your own values
- Ignore terms like MNC because there is no guarantee even MNCs will last long
- You have already been an administrator for 3 years
- There is no guarantee on jobs
- There are no comforts in jobs, only challenges

At the end of the day, you make the decision on your career.

Let me add a personal note:

If I were in your place, seeking challenges/growth opportunities, I would jump at the chance.

Regards,

Leo Lingham

Dear Leo,

Thanks for the valuable advice....

Alike everyone i too love challenges and that's the reason behind shifting of career......the work which i have been doing from past three years had been a very monotonous one- which actually have started disliking.

The views express by u have made me ponder over certain fact so far ignored by me. This has indeed broadened my vision.

The reason behind mailing this was, I would like know from your experiences....is it the correct approach towards shifting from one field to another......dose the company profile matter in the long run.

Also can u suggest me some way of find out information abt the company....i tried gathering information through net...The information posted on net are very concise and to the point. From where do i find out abt company's development plans and growth strategies??

Regarding your Fourth point - "scope the new opportunities from all angles including salary growth, learning opportunities, growth opportunities" I think this being a small organistaion, I will have lots of scope to learn....Do u agree with this.....would like to know your views on this!!

Regards,

Zenobia.

Dear Friends,

I request you all to please post your views on this. Your knowledge and experience will definitely go a long way in making the right decision.

Thanks!
Zenobia.

Response to Zenobia

Zenobia,

You have stayed in the same position as an administrator for 3 years. From my experience, staying for 3 years is just enough in one job at that level. It is the right time to move forward/upward. If you think there is no chance of promotion/moving to HR in the current company, then you should move out. Company profile does count, but it is not a major factor.

In a developing/growth economy/business situation, what counts are:

- your contributions
- your competences
- your skills/knowledge level
- your ability to present, etc.

In career planning/development, you must move and test your abilities. Also, you need to consider some personal/self-development programs to lift your competence/ability levels to meet the growing needs. You may find it difficult to get information on growth plans and strategies. These are confidential information. You may use friends/relatives if they have contacts indirectly.

The next option is:

- go for the interview and ask these questions at the appropriate time.

At the growth stage, small companies give you the opportunity to develop multiple competences. If you stick there for 2/3 years:

- learn practical aspects of HR
- complete a course in HR (if you don't have one)

You can again go out for greener pasture and bigger opportunity.

Regards,

Leo Lingham

Hi Zenobia,

Mr. Leolingham has described very clearly the latest trend in this fast-growing work environment. Days are gone when factors like job security in government jobs (often less challenging) were predominant. Now, it is an employee-centered environment. After the software revolution, the idea of an employer/company dominated society has dissipated. Once an employee possesses valuable skills, their worth increases, providing more options for choosing an employer.

I would prioritize a challenging career for several reasons. As everyone knows, challenges are not as easy as they may seem, with obstacles and risks involved. However, after overcoming these challenges, job satisfaction and growth are ultimately achieved.

I hope this addresses some of your questions.

Just an opinion.

Regards,
:D :D :D

Dear Ali,
Nice to hear from u…….and welcome to the ocean of knowledge!!
Firstly, i would say you should determine your goal and future plans....wat are u planning to do 10yrs down the line..
Are you really interested in being an HR Manager?? HR line has much more to human approach than just the technical aspects. If you're truly interested in getting into Hr field, MBA in HR is the right way of moving ahead with your career.
Being a computer student u can definitely go in for an HR degree. An addition degree from any reputed institution would put an extra star to your profile.
As about the institution - The location in your profile shows "UK" i do not have details/information of colleges or institutes in UK....U can find out the details on net...or else u can also mail some other member on the site.... I am sure u will get all the required information.
Regards,
Zenobia.