Feeling Stuck: Should I Leave My HR Role for Unrelated Marketing Tasks? Seeking Advice!

Dear All,

I joined recently (exactly 2.5 months ago) as an HR Executive in a Pharma Company. At the time of the interview, they told me that I have to implement new policies within the organization since I am the first person who joined as HR, and in HR, there is only a single person, myself.

I have 2 years of experience in administration and 2 years in HR, totaling 4 years of experience.

Now, my management is asking me to move to Marketing because a lady who was in that position has left the job. The profile involves coordinating with marketing executives, preparing their daily reports, making payments, receiving checks, etc. This work is not related to HR. When I asked them about this, as it is not related to HR work, they mentioned that it is just extra responsibilities that I have to handle.

We have our manufacturing unit in Hosur, and there is a GM-HR there. The management is planning to have him operate our corporate office from there.

I am now worried about what I will learn in HR if I take on this marketing work. I am concerned about my career. Should I resign from here and search for a new job? Is anyone aware of any job openings for me?

Kindly advise me on this and please help me.

Thank you.

If not able to adjust, one should keep working with enthusiasm and simultaneously search for a good job first before resigning.

Regards,
Vishal

Hi,

These kinds of things happen in startup firms in any industry. HR is not just about recruitment and designing policies. Making people perform is also a crucial part of HR. By ensuring your marketing team performs well, you strengthen your HR function. Develop a strong executive; eventually, they can lead the marketing division, allowing you to focus more on HR.

For now, focus on both HR and marketing. If you stay with the same organization for 5 to 7 years, you could become one of the decision-makers in the company.

Thank you for your reply.

Coming to the HR4nation post, currently, they are not assigning any HR tasks to me. I am solely responsible for handling marketing duties such as data compilation and report preparation. I have already informed the General Manager of HR from our manufacturing unit that they will be taking over my HR responsibilities.

How can I manage both HR and Marketing simultaneously?

Hi,

I don't think there is any point to continue with your current organization. They are just concerned about their benefits, nothing else. As you have already mentioned that all the HR issues will be dealt with by your corporate office, then it is clear that they do not want any HR person there. As you said that before your appointment there was no one in HR, it means that earlier also they were managing without an HR, so that won't be an issue for them.

You should think about your career. Suppose in case the company really wants to expand your profile, then do you have enough time to handle both the major responsibilities? Can you bear the pressure of HR & Marketing both?

I think what your company is doing is absolutely unfair to a qualified HR professional. You have good experience of four years, and there are many options out there. So think and decide.

Regards, Kshama

Dear Anu,

I feel that since you have experience in both administration and HR, they must have thought you would serve in both areas. However, if you want to continue your profession only in HR, then ask the question: What would your duties as HR be if you were reporting to the Marketing head?

Regards,
Srilatha

Dear Ms. Anu,

In that case, it is better for you to go and discuss these issues with your higher-ups. I guess they don't want to miss you and will offer you the role you desire. If the management is very insistent on you continuing in the same role, it may be better to consider resigning. (Before resigning from your current job, ensure you have an offer letter from another organization.)

Regards

Hi,

Take on the additional work, handle the critical tasks such as decision-making and delegating, and manage the core responsibilities of your new marketing role. Clearly communicate this to your management. Use this opportunity to learn about HR sales, how to work with line managers, and understand their work styles. Embrace the challenge and gain valuable experience over the next six months. Combine this new experience with your four years of prior experience. Then, consider applying for an HR manager position in a different company where you can explore new possibilities. Remember to be diplomatic in your approach.

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. I am also an HR manager juggling additional responsibilities in my company's AD/PR and corporate communications. Despite the workload, I find joy in the diversity of tasks and see opportunities for growth.

The rest is up to you.

In today's world, everybody is in business. Handle extra responsibility as you will learn, and over a period of time, they will have more HR work, and you will be shifted full-time to HR. Many times, this happens that much HR work is not there, and therefore, a shift is necessary, and HR shares other responsibilities. You will be dealing with the most crucial resources in a new role, i.e., marketing people and its extension to learning about them. Be positive.

Interesting case! It looks like you are a hard core HR person. In my opinion you should find another job relating to the field of your interest, which is HR. But don't resign before you get another opportunity. Meanwhile learn to face the challenges the company is throwing your way. It is not bad to learn the ropes of another path as well. Who knows, in the long run it might benefit you.
So while you are on the look out for another job which will suit you, learn whatever possible about marketing.
Whatever the decision you take, Good luck!!

Thank you all for your valuable advice. I have started looking for a job change. I am also slowly handling marketing work (though it's not my area of expertise). I feel anxious about myself. What impression will there be on my resume and career if I change jobs within 3 months? How will I face interviews? All these questions are running through my mind.

Hi Anu,

Greetings from Mumbai, India. Life is a struggle; you need not bugle! HR is power, marketing is a shower! Bangalore blooms with flowers! You will always be a rover!

You have at least been into HR and Admin. I have been in IT and yet took up the challenge as an HR Executive. Like you, I too am a one-man show in HR with a staff strength of 3000 across India. I too have drafted the HR policies for the company. Of course, marketing is not my field, but if the organization you are working for finds some potential in you, it can request you to help for the betterment of the organization. So, don't think of quitting your job. Accept it as a challenge. Take it as an opportunity. It becomes a resource for you. It adds up to your profile. It adds up to your prospects. It adds up to your growth in the organization. It adds up to your pay package. And it keeps adding up... unless you see things in the negative!

Wish you all the best! Have a good day!

Regards,
Dere

Hi Anu,

I am working as an HR executive and also handle the KPO and Market Research for my company. While marketing and sales provide us with enough insight into a company's business, it truly depends on whether one can enjoy and capitalize on the knowledge base.

In your case, it seems you do not wish to lose focus, and that is really good. I feel you should confront your seniors or whoever you are reporting to, let them know about your concerns, and see if you get a satisfactory answer. Meanwhile, start looking out for better prospects as you already have 4 years of experience. It's a decision you have to make, and I am sure you can.

All the best for your future.

Regards,
Abhilasha

Anu,

First of all, I would like to ask whether any other HR person has joined over there. If yes, it is better to look for a new job rather than wasting time there. If no, please discuss with the concerned person what is the exact reason for shifting me to MKT profiles.

Padam

Hi Anu,

I would not like to comment on what other members have said so far but would rather like to post my point of view here. I agree with one of the members that you need to talk to your superiors about your job description in the company. If the company is big and you think that you can progress and grow with the company, then I think you should sort out your issues. Like talk to them about when they will get you back with the HR department. If they give you a short period, then you have a chance to impress your bosses by working and proving yourself in the admin/marketing field and then get back to your HR field. But if they expect you to permanently change your field of work, then I would say find another job with better prospects and then resign citing the appropriate reasons. Please do let me know what you think of my suggestions.

Good luck,
RAVI.

Dear Ravi,

I have already spoken to my superiors, and they have informed me that the profile (MKtg) is a permanent one. The GM-HR from the factory will be coming to our corporate office once every 15 days to handle all HR duties. In this setup, I will specifically be working as a Database/Computer Operator, focusing on tasks such as correspondence and marketing coordination.

Thank you.

Hi,

This is not relevant. If you are not interested in your current designation, then you have to resign and move to a new HR job. Specify your problem during the interview session; be open about who you are and what you are looking for.

Regards,
Siddharth 😄

Dear Anu,

That, I would say, is just a pathetic and horrendous response from your seniors. You can tell them that if they want a computer operator, they might as well advertise and get another person who can also work on data entry. You need to find another job and quit as soon as possible.

Good luck.
Ravi.

Hi,

I hope there is no need to change the job without convincing your Head of HR and the management. Since you are the HR-related person, you may convince them of your roles and responsibilities and recruit the marketing person. If they still insist on you doing the marketing work, don't leave the job immediately until you get an offer elsewhere.

Hiremath

Dear [Recipient],

You do not need to bother; do one thing. Talk to your management that I can provide you with a substitute for the Marketing position that your management is offering you. Please convey that this is the era of professionalism. Even if you insist on me working in marketing, I can do so, but it will take around 4-5 months to run the department professionally, and you will need to provide me with training on the procedures of that position.

While working in HR, I can provide you with the best possible candidate who can meet your job requirements. Additionally, that person will be keen on continuing their job as a career in the marketing field of interest.

Likewise, you can inform them that by accommodating this request, I may perform the prescribed job, but my interest lies in pursuing my career in HR. This will showcase your deep association with your work.

Do not forget to provide them with the substitute. If, even after offering the substitute, they do not agree, then you may consider changing the organization.

Try to convince them, as this is what we can do.

Cheers!

M. Hasan

Hi Anu,

If you are not interested in the job, then there is no need to be there anymore. You should feel comfortable in your job so that you can do something worthwhile and valuable for both yourself and your company. Marketing is not a bad field, but if you are not interested, then don't force yourself. Don't compel your mind to do a job that you do not want to do, or else be prepared for its consequences (it might lead your employer to dismiss you from your work). This is based on my experience.

Be confident. Be strong enough to pursue something in the future. Update your resume on any job portals, and you will definitely find a job that matches your worth. :-)

Shilpa.

Anu,

Please look out for work opportunities. The scenario you mentioned is not at all promising for you. Don't waste any more time. The market is fresh and with your experience, you will immediately get a good job offer.

All the best.

Regards,
Abhilasha

Hello, Akangi here. Well, I'm not this much capable of giving the answer to your query, but I'm writing my point of view. Actually, this is the right time when you can come into the eyes of all. You can do that job side by side. I know by this you're compromising with your job, but as you said you are the only person as HR, and the first, so you can have a grip on things. Right now, you're not having my jobs in your hand. So focus should be on your HR job only, but try to do that work, but only up to a limit. Don't let them take you for granted, thinking you will do. By this work, if you go to another organization, you will be able to handle these works if necessary. Thanks.

Dear,

In my opinion, you should go through their letter of appointment and job description, given to you at the time of appointment. If your management wishes to transfer you to another department, you may take up this issue to a higher level in writing. Whether they respond positively or otherwise, you should consider leaving the organization if they do not have a clear recruitment policy.

Chandan

Hi Anu,

Nice to see your query. I don't know about your present situation, whether you are still working there or resigned from the job. Whatever the case, this is my suggestion for you for the present situation and for the future as well.

Take the additional responsibility given to you. Though the new GM is going to come to your corporate office on frequent visits, he might ask you to handle the HR activities in his absence, considering you were handling HR before his arrival. Accept the challenge or responsibilities given to you wherever you are because it helps you become a complete HR professional. When a person wants to become a boss, it means he/she should know everything. So, this is an opportunity coming your way.

The HR person should be a master of all. But when it is not possible, at least become a Jack of all trades and a Master of none. This will really help in handling people. When you mention this as a credential on your resume, you will gain more weightage.

Right from my Bachelor's degree, I have done everything in HR. With experience, I have handled almost all tasks, including the work of a system admin. In one of my companies, I was even asked to handle marketing alongside HR. HR work took up 15% of my time, and 85% was spent on marketing. I accepted that, and within a month, I increased business from 1 lakh to 5 lakhs.

When I worked in the hotel industry, I set up the entire HR department for a new 5-star hotel, and then I also managed the front office. All these experiences have given me the confidence that I can handle anything and everything.

When an organization realizes that a person has handled multiple roles, they tend to give preference to such candidates during the selection process.

In my opinion, you should continue in the same job, do the assigned work, and also show interest in HR. Whenever the GM HR visits the corporate office, interact with him and express your interest in HR. One day, the GM might recommend to the management that you be placed in the HR department.

All of this is practical advice, so give it a try. Despite receiving advice and suggestions from many people, ultimately, the decision is yours to make. Think twice before making any decision.

Regards,

Umesh S.

I think there is no point in continuing in your current job because marketing is only 10% of HR activity.