Is Switching to HR at 30 a Smart Move After Years in Hotel Management?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a Hotel Management background person with qualifications and work experience of over five years in hotels of repute. Two years ago, I decided on a career change, and last year, I completed my full-time Masters in Human Resource Management. What I wanted to ask is, would it be a wise decision to switch careers at this stage and opt for Human Resources, starting from scratch, or would it be wise to continue with my original career orientation as I have already completed my necessary education? I am thirty years of age and currently out of action.

Please advise.

Thank you,
Yours sincerely,
Raghvendra Jhala

Dear Raghvendra,

You don't have to start from scratch. I suggest you continue in the hotel industry but now as an HR. If you are not very comfortable, you can switch after a year's experience as an HR in hotels to some other industry that is quite similar. There is no point in wasting your previous experience. Try to use your degree as a feather in your cap rather than thinking of knitting that cap once again.

Any confusion, you can get back.

Dear Raghavendra,

Whether to opt for a career change or continue with your original profession depends on several factors such as your interest in the field of HR, your willingness or unwillingness to start from scratch in the same, and your current financial position, among others.

If you have a genuine interest in HR and come across a good job offer with a decent salary, I suggest you go ahead with it. Considering your experience in the hotel industry, another option you have is opting for an HR career in the same industry. I am sure it will help you to adjust faster, and you will likely be preferred over other candidates for the same job.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Swaroop Kulkarni