Should I Switch from Teaching to HR for a Lower Salary? Seeking Your Advice

Dear Members,

I heard about this forum from my friend Krishna. I am M.A. (English) and MBA (HR), both completed in regular mode. Currently, I am working as a lecturer (English) at an Engineering college, earning a salary of more than 10k per month. I have recently received a job offer from a company in the Paper Industry as an HR, with a salary of only 8k per month.

I would appreciate your suggestions on whether I should accept this offer or not.

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks and Regards,
Kishore

Hi Kishore,

I suggest that you opt for the paper industry since you are entering the corporate world. At this time, you may be receiving less than your current salary, but based on your experience, you will eventually earn more, both in terms of money and success. In my opinion, you should move forward with a career in the paper industry.

Remember, follow your heart in making this decision.

Thank you.

Hey Kishore,

Do the job which you feel will be emotionally and mentally rewarding first! Money will come later! Ask yourself... 10 years down the line, will you regret the decision you take now (whichever the decision)? Write down the regret if you take either decision. Compare them.

Ask yourself... 10 years down the line, what will be the reasons for happiness based on the decision you take now (whichever the decision)? Write down the reasons if you take either decision. Compare them.

Take your call!

Regards, Kenneth

Hi Kishore,

My suggestion is that you could continue in your academic career since, once you have completed your MPhil and Ph.D., you will receive a good package and a lot of leave days in a year. In the corporate world, you will have to navigate through various types of office politics in all departments. Therefore, I advise you to think twice before making a decision.

All the best.

Regards,
Ravi Swaminathan

Hi Kishore,

I totally agree with Swaminathan. Continue with the old job. Being an HR professional, I definitely suggest you to take up HR as a career, but as Swaminathan said, you should be mentally prepared to tackle politics in the organization in different departments. A tree, when it is small, if you want to give any shape, you can give, but when it becomes huge and if you try to give it a new shape, it breaks down.

Best regards,
Ashfaq.

Hello Kishore,

I would suggest you first ask yourself instead of asking others - what do you want to do? Where do you see yourself in ten years? Which field interests you? For the corporate and education sectors, we need altogether different skill sets and dedication. I know that you will have significant exposure in the corporate world, but the educational field is also full of opportunities.

Since you have not mentioned how long you have been teaching, it is difficult to comment on your experience because that also matters a lot.

Now, it's your career, and it is in your hands to decide. So, first, do some self-assessment and analysis, and then decide.

Best of luck

Hello Kishore,

I agree with the other experts' comments. Continue with your position as a professor, and in due course, I would strongly recommend that you shift your teaching focus from English to HR. You should seriously consider taking up a part-time position as a placement officer or assume responsibility in your existing college as a Placement Officer for your new graduates. This will give you an opportunity to interact with companies and stay informed about what is happening in the market regarding market requirements and salary trends.

Keep yourself up to date with all that is happening in the HR world, including not only theory but practical HR administration and operations.

All the best.

Ukmitra

Hi Kishore,

I strongly endorse Mr. U K Mitra's advice. Don't leave your current respectable job, especially for lower remuneration. If the offer had been between 15K to 20K, it would have been more appropriate and worth considering.

Moreover, the paper industry is not a progressive sector. Consider that only a few paper companies are profitable.

Furthermore, if you had received an offer from a reputable and progressive company or an MNC, even for 8K, it would be more preferable.

Ultimately, the decision rests with you, especially if you lack job satisfaction in your current role. However, I recommend waiting for a better opportunity than the current offer from the paper industry.

In the meantime, if you have a flair for writing and are interested in part-time opportunities, you may consider contacting thesismasters@gmail.com with your CV for writing jobs that you can do from home in your spare time.

PS Dhingra
Transformation Management Consultant
Dhingra Management Consultancy Group
Delhi
dcgroup1962@gmail.com

Dear All,

This is Kalpana. I am pursuing my MSW in HR and currently working on a project related to Recruitment. I am in need of assistance in preparing a questionnaire for my project. If anyone can help me with a sample format, I would greatly appreciate it.

Please feel free to reach out to me via email at kalpana_smart1983@yahoo.co.in.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Best regards,
Kalpana

Hi Kishore,

I read that if you love what you are doing, then you won't feel like you are working. You need to understand what you love doing most - teaching or being in HR. There must have been a reason why you chose to study HR. If HR is your passion, believe me, you should be diving headfirst. Remember, opportunities are not lost; they are picked up by someone.

I can understand your situation and how you feel. Having a job and job satisfaction are two entirely different things. Trust me, they indeed are! So ask yourself - are you satisfied with giving your best, or is the best yet to come? Make sure where your passion lies, move towards it, no matter what the circumstances are, and you will win.

Regards,
Chandrahasan

Dear Kishor,

I understand that you can analyze the pros and cons better than anybody else. Why do you need others' advice? I wish you would learn to make decisions on your own, whether they are right or wrong. That will help you grow. Remember, this world is not for cowards. I wish you would learn to face every situation rather than depending on others.

His Blessings,
Sharad Shah

Dear All

Since being an interesting discussion I would like to join this.

According to me, while choosing a profession one should hear one's heart rather than their minds. Because, any outcome due to such decision, may not be regretted later on.

It is true that money matters and makes many, but money alone is not everything, hence any decision purely on monetary ground will never make you happy always(Appears to be philosophical).

Further, if you have passion for your current profession, please continue, otherwise simply accept the offer and join.

Beware, hitherto you are heard but your new profession will make you heard.

Professionally speaking HR in industry is the real one and virtual where all the theories are practically applied, encountered and some times improved, so if you are open for changes and challenges, please opt for industry.

So far as the politicking is concerned, it is a universal phenomenon, it exists every where, the real talent of a HR person lies in dealing those things successfully.

You have only two options

1. To continue your existing job, gain and share the knowledge you are acquiring and you are satisfied, if you are passionate about it, no matter whether you are getting a lesser pay or not.

2. Venture into industry and experience the application of knowledge you are so far teaching and earn rewards suitably.

Wish you all the best.

Dear Members,

Thank you very much for your responses. I think I need more time to make a decision on the mentioned issue. Once again, I thank you very much for your replies. I will contact you whenever I need your advice.

Thanks and Regards,
Kishore

Dear Kishore,

Let me tell you one thing... Think over and do things. I really appreciate the offer you received; however, you need to check with the new company. You should inquire about the company's turnover for the last 5 years, standardization, level of competency, labor strength, morale, etc.

I would also suggest taking a break from your current college. You could request a long leave for about 3 months and then join this new company. During this time, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the updates on your idea.

If you are genuinely interested in the new company/career, you should proceed, notifying the college that you won't be able to continue due to medical reasons or other circumstances. If you find that the new company is not suitable, you can give a notice period of one month and return to the college. There is no need to take any papers as they would be of no use.

Anyway, All the Best!