Navigating Career Choices: Project Management vs. HR Generalist Role with Salary Considerations

Respected Seniors,

Hope you all are well.

I am confused about something and want your valuable suggestions. I have completed my MBA in HR and graduated in Jan-2011. I started working for an organization as an HR Generalist. However, after six months, I left that job due to various reasons, with one major issue being corruption in the HR department.

Currently, I have two job offers:
1. A Trainee Project Management position with a well-reputed publishing house. The offer includes signing a 3-year bond, and the salary is acceptable.
2. An HR Generalist position in an IT company, but the salary offered is significantly lower (5k less) than my previous salary. This role requires a 1-year bond.

I am in a dilemma. If I choose the Project Management role, my HR knowledge may not be utilized, and I am unsure about the prospects and future of Project Management. On the other hand, accepting the HR Generalist position would mean settling for a much lower salary.

I seek your guidance on this matter as it is urgent, and I have limited time before the documentation process begins.

Please advise me on the best course of action. Thank you for your assistance.

Sam,

The decision has to be yours, and you must decide what you need to do because only you know yourself well. Let me try and suggest a way how you can bring more clarity to your situation. Here is what you need to do:

On a piece of paper, write about yourself (be honest). It should be a SWOT analysis of yourself and should include your dreams and aspirations (even if they sound absurd and silly).

Now, do a SWOT analysis of each opportunity on different sheets of paper. This should include what you feel will happen 5 and 10 years from today if you take this opportunity.

Now, correlate each SWOT analysis with yours.

The picture will emerge much clearer, and you will have clarity. :-)

If you need my help, please feel free to contact me via my LinkedIn page.

Have FUN!!!

Cheers,
Navneet Chandra

[Navneet Chandra Kulshrestha - India | LinkedIn](http://in.linkedin.com/in/navneetchandra)

A lot of people seem to be having problems deciding what to do next in their career. Maybe we could organize a free webinar through Citehr on "Career Planning". Do you think that would be a good idea? Just a thought!!!

Thank you very much for your response, especially Navneet Sir. I am not entirely sure about the future prospects of Project Management, which is why I am seeking clarification.

Sam,

Do a little bit of research on project management. Understand what it is all about and then come back and give your comment on what you feel you need to do. Let that be the starting point of the discussion and then see where it leads you.

Cheers,
Navneet