Feeling Stuck as an HR Generalist in Civil Services? Seeking Advice on Career Growth

I joined in civil services as an HR generalist, but I am feeling that there is not much scope in this organization. Their payroll is managed by the accounts department, and I have to handle attendance, petty registers, recruitment, and joining formalities. However, there is not much recruitment happening. I think most of the time, I will be idle. What to do? Please reply.

Hello pushpananjundaiah,

I am surprised with the title you used: as you all said I joined for HR generalist.

I know this will sound unpleasant or critical, but please note that THIS IS YOUR LIFE & IT'S YOU WHO HAVE TO TAKE THE FINAL DECISIONS.

Just because the members of this forum gave their suggestions in good faith, that doesn't mean that you have to accept them without applying your mind. What if all the members of this forum -- for whatever reason -- asked you to jump in a well, would you do it? I bet -- NO. Why?

The understanding of all the seniors/members who take time to give suggestions & share their experiences, so that those who have just entered their careers will benefit & avoid the same mistakes which they did is this: they are only giving inputs to the persons who ask for advice. It's for the individual concerned to evaluate the inputs vis-a-vis the situation (both personal & official) he/she is in and then take the final call.

The main point that you seem to be missing out on is this: No two situations are identical -- maybe similar, but NEVER IDENTICAL. So whatever others tell you would definitely have to be weighed in with your own views, experiences, aspirations & goals before the final call is taken.

Regards,

TS

Hi,

I saw your comment and felt bad. I also realized that you are getting demoralized by doing all the petty work. Let me tell you that HR work isn't confined only to payroll/generalist roles. Love whatever you are doing and try exploring new things like employee engagement, staff skill enhancement programs, or anything to make your presence visible in the organization. Good luck, chap.

Hi pushpananjundaiah,

It's really sad if you feel that the advice given to you wasn't appropriate. I've been a part of Citeman Network for the last 5 years, and I haven't read this kind of mail ever before. There were more than 15 people who gave you their valuable time and suggestions; now, this subject title of your thread will surely hurt them.

Problems can arise anywhere, but at least be decisive and take control of your own destiny; don't blame others. Besides, I believe everything else has been covered by Tajsateesh; I echo all of his words.

Regarding your problem, try to be innovative. A Generalist HR profile involves much more than just salary/payroll and recruitment. Clarify your role and get involved in other HR functions, such as training. You could design a new Performance Management system, or if there is already one in place, work on making it more effective.

I hope you won't encounter a situation like this again.

Greetings,

In addition to what Satheesh and Archana have mentioned, here's my suggestion for your consideration. If you have accepted a generalist role, regardless of how narrow the scope may seem currently, it is far beyond what you perceive. If your current job does not provide you with opportunities for learning, please consider these suggestions:

- Identify the different areas. No matter how entangled they may be, segregate the workflows. For example, recruitment and induction may be combined with new hire integration as a single function. There could be several reasons for such a design, such as low manpower or fewer hiring activities. Understand these reasons and map the workflow.
- When you start with this basic exercise, keep reviewing the existing processes and compare them with industry standards. Create your own comparative charts and identify areas for improvement.
- You may not be allowed to implement or suggest changes, but remember, this is part of your learning process. Regardless of whether you can implement these changes, you will gain valuable insights through this exercise.
- Identify different practices and delve deeper into them. For instance, recruitment processes may differ in your organization. Understand the reasons behind these differences. Explore beyond your role to learn more about the work, business models, and competencies required for different roles. Document your findings and suggest better talent utilization strategies.
- If you still don't find room for improvement, choose an area of interest within HR and start learning more about it, such as training and development or compensation. Research within the community, ask questions, and connect with members to expand your knowledge.
- Assess your understanding of policy formation and statutory standards.
- Remember, your learning is not confined to your current role but extends far beyond it. Aim to excel in the industry as a whole, and you'll realize the vast amount of learning ahead. No role or job should limit you or become a distraction.
- Whichever learning path you choose, keep a blog documenting your plan and progress, just as you did this time. Encourage others to contribute to your learning journey. Pay attention to the language you use in your blogs; your words make a statement, so ensure they are respectful.

We all want to see you succeed as a professional. Best of luck!

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Hi, first of all, I went wrong in communicating the message, and I am really sorry for that. But as seniors, you people have to correct us without reacting so harshly. One person has commented very badly, and I will say he is not suitable to be an HR at all. I just request that person to think before speaking harshly. You don't have any right to talk so harshly, and I really felt bad. Please don't reply to any other member like this. I am leaving this blog. It's very unfortunate, but it's very bad behavior from a blog member. Thanks, seniors, for giving me your feedback until now. Wish you all the best. Goodbye.

Dear Pushpananjudaiah,

As a member who had earlier recommended you to opt for HR Generalist, I cannot be here now without adding my comments on the above issue.

First and foremost, as an HR Professional, you should be careful in the way you communicate, as the posts are viewed by many members. A small mistake may send out bad signals.

Quote - "but as seniors you people have to correct us not react so harshly" - seniors can correct you only after you have made your comments and members have read it. So always think twice before you type anything in a public forum; it should not in any manner hurt the feelings of any member.

I don't see anything wrong or offensive in the post of Mr. QuaMPS. He has tried to convey symbolically a few things:

- Accept help/advice/suggestions from elders
- Practice it in your life and be spirited
- Possess self-confidence
- Love your job, it will love you back!!

We at citehr, don't wish that a member leaves the forum just because he got an unpleasant reply or happened to take a decision influenced by the comments posted in the forum.

At the end of the day, it's you who needs to make a call on everything, be it life or work or whatever.

The road to success is not well-lit and flowered; it's full of thorns and hurdles.

You are idle at your work because you are idle in your mind. As we say, "the human mind is like a parachute; it's of use only when you open it."

All the best.

Regards Sriram Warrier

Hello Pushpananjundaiah,

I know my and the others' comments made you feel bad.

But I think you are AGAIN making the same mistake--that of running away from the situation you are presently in.

I am speaking purely from the human psychology point of view--nothing to do with HR, since human psychology is closely intertwined with the core of one's behavior, irrespective of whether one is in HR or any other field or even in personal relationships.

It's only when one hesitates to take responsibility for one's actions--out of fear for any adverse result or plain lackadaisical attitude or in a worst-case scenario, the attitude of 'using' others--that the tendency to throw the blame/responsibility for any undesired/adverse results of one's actions happens. In your case, today it's this situation and tomorrow it could be another.

What those who gave their uncensored opinions [me included] meant and had in mind was to correct your [NOT YOU] thought process and the way you see situations and calibrate your responses.

Just because someone in this Forum said something nasty [as per your perception, mind you], you don't need to leave this Forum. To quote what Gandhi said: When you think someone insults you, there WILL ALWAYS BE multiple response options. You may get wild at such comments, I may be able to just ignore them, another can rebut with equally well-placed comments, and another may just walk off from the scene. There's nothing 'right' or 'wrong' with any response--it all depends on how one 'perceives' the situation and 'responds'. It all depends on 'HOW' the person perceives the situation and which, to an extent, decides the response.

In a lighter vein, I recollect another quote: When you think someone insulted you, Top it. If you can't top it, ignore it. If you can't ignore it, laugh at it. And if you can't laugh at it, you probably deserve it.

When you can see anything worthwhile to learn even from a so-called nasty comment, frankly maybe it's worth going through the situation.

Just give these lines a thought--and like I always say--the Final call is yours.

Regards,

TS

Hello Everyone,

I am a regular follower of CiteHR. I am not a senior person but couldn't sit idle seeing this post. I truly think that the way Pushpananjundaiah has expressed his query is wrong, and I think he must have done this out of desperation. Everyone joins for a job with a lot of expectations, and when things go upside down, not everyone in this world has the same courage to face it.

To Seniors,

Respected Seniors,

The way seniors (except QUAMPS) replied to the query is excellent. Even though they would have felt bad, they behaved really well and replied in a dignified manner. I think it would have opened his eyes and would help him to view things through a different perspective. I believe this is the kind of behavior and attitude that we should learn from the seniors.

My humble request to QUAMPS:

Sir/Madam,

You have said, "But today I'm unable to control myself to post this reply, as I can't let anyone like this fellow to hurt others who readily come forward to help others with their best possible suggestions & solutions." Indeed, you have also done the same thing - hurting another person. So kindly think a lot before using your language for criticizing another person, especially before making a comment like your point no: 4. You must have presented things "symbolically," but I don't think Pushpananjudaiah has understood your intention and hidden message (if any) to correct him. So please understand that mistakes can happen to anyone.

Regards,

Paru.

Hi Pushpananjudaiah,

My suggestion to you is, now that you see there is not much work being done in HR, this is a great opportunity for you. You know the kind of work HR involves, and slowly you can streamline and with initiatives take up the roles in your hands. I was at a similar juncture at one point in time, and believe me, it will bring out the best of abilities within you. Rest, I feel (Cite Contribution) has given brilliant insight on how you can proceed with the same. You were destined to get this opportunity; grab it and prove your worth.

My best wishes and good luck...

Just one thing... we are all provided situations in life and are expected to improve them, and that is what we call "value addition." Unless one expects to just be furniture, one needs to study the people, processes, and behavior, and then slowly win people to bring about the change one expects.

There is no ideal place on this earth and there never will be. Even if "seniors" advise on the location for you, it is your efforts that will bring about change.

For me, you are lucky with less burden. Look at acquiring skills. If you have stopped education, start it. You have time to learn and do lots of new things compared to many members who have 1000 things to complete, reports to make, and a boss who makes life miserable.

We all crave quality time, yet we often waste the time given to us by wailing. Just look around; this is an opportunity for you in a thousand ways.

I am in a similar situation (now becoming a boss), so I am focusing on teaching concepts to my team by becoming a visiting faculty at a small college and contributing here regularly. Thus, rather than losing interest, I am redefining my time to be more productive for my team and the people around me.

Regards,

Shridhar Bhagwat

Hi, I am a new member of CiteHR. I am an MBA HR fresher. It's really surprising that someone replied so rashly on CiteHR without considering the hurt feelings. That girl failed in communicating, but it doesn't mean we should talk so badly as one member did. He is not fit to be a member on CiteHR. Pushpa, don't worry about that silly guy's post. Good luck.

Hi All,

First of all, I wish you all a Very Happy Republic Day 2011. Already Pushpananjundaiah made a mistake by writing, "hi seniors as u all said I joined for HR generalist but" it's our responsibility to show him what is right and what is wrong because he is in a learning stage. It's lovely to see the way seniors replied so politely, but on the other hand, it's really bad to see the way one member replied. Then what is the difference between the person who is not satisfied with his job and the person who replied so harshly? I totally agree with "Paru" that everyone has some expectations, and when they are not fulfilled, human beings tend to think in a negative way. Therefore, as human beings, we have no right to upset anyone when we do not have the capability to encourage. Pushpananjundaiah, it's a life where you will face numerous problems that you have to solve, and you will also learn from these problems. Be happy with whatever you are doing in your job and try to learn beyond your job responsibilities because knowledge has no limitations.

Regards,

Suraj

Hi seniors,

I don't have enough experience or age to comment on this thread. But I would like to clarify one thing: human error has existed since the evolution of humans. Committing errors is only a part of learning, and it is wisdom that tells us to overcome such mistakes when we face similar situations at some point in time. Wisdom can only be acquired from our learnings and experiences with others. It is our prime responsibility to help others acquire this wisdom.

Regards, S. Lawrence HR

Hi, Good Morning to All,

As QusMPS has commented on, for other users like me or on paru, I think he forgot the rules of this website. It's my suggestion to him to read the instructions once again and then comment on any member by taking his or her name. Regarding your thread, yes, it is crystal clear to me, and the message you wanted to deliver to the concerned person (Pushpananjundaiah) has been delivered. Don't you think that the concerned person (Pushpananjundaiah) is leaving this site due to your words and also by giving an example of some Hindi Movies? Again, for Halen, you used the word "cunning, ha?"

Regards,
Suraj