Is It Wise to Work for Less Pay Just for Experience in Today's Competitive HR Market?

I am working as an HR executive. Wanted to share/ask a few things to all the HR pros out there. Do you think it's worth working for low income just to gain experience even if you have the capability to earn more? I mean to ask, is selfless service worth it? Especially considering the competition in today's market. We invest so much time and effort, yet often aren't rewarded for what we are worth. Do you think it's advisable?

Work for a low income, yes, if the company is really good at providing exposure to all HR activities when you are a fresher. However, once you gain experience in a reputed company, there is no point in working for a low income because opportunities don't come to everybody, especially when you are a fresher.

Hey Shippu,

I understand how you feel, but for freshers, it's necessary to gain experience at least in the first few years. So, if you can afford to, don't concentrate too much on the pay. Just try to gain as much experience as you can and build your network in the industry; this will help you in the long run. Once you gain about a couple of years' experience, things should be easy. Switching jobs frequently is not going to help, as you will get labeled as a job-hopper. So hang in there, things will get better!

Hey Deepa,

I guess you are right. Despite everything, I am still hanging on for the right opportunity to come. I believe building a network is very important, and that's all I've been doing all these months. I have recognition as well. In the long run, I'm sure it should help me. Let's see how things work.

If the job profile is really good, the same as what you were looking for, then don't mind working for a slightly lower pay package. Once you gain experience, it will be beneficial for you when searching for another job.

Even if you have joined a big company with a good pay package, and the job profile was not good, then what would you have done?

"Pay package is not everything, I think. In today's scenario, the job profile is of utmost importance to anyone, followed by the pay package."

Well, compensation is important, and it definitely is an added advantage if you get the right kind of place to work for with the right kind of pay. But when you are a fresher, then going for a good company and a profile is more important. What matters at that point in time is to put a little bit of character in the CV with the name of the company and the experience gained from that company.

Then, when enough experience has been gained, one can easily shift to a different organization. If you have noticed, when you are shifting a job, the new company mostly asks you about your experiences with the previous employer and what you have learned from them. They hardly ever ask you about the pay you used to receive from the last employer.

So, while pay is important, experience and the organization play a more important role in the individual's part.