Feeling Stuck and Underpaid in HR: How Can I Boost My Career and Salary?

I am an MBA professional with 4 years of experience in HR. I started off with a consultancy and then joined a finance company. To be frank, I am underpaid as my pay is still 15k. I am desperately looking to expand my areas of expertise beyond recruitment, but I feel stuck. Please suggest what I need to do to secure better pay and guide me on the course of action as I am feeling really depressed with the current situation. I have applied to many job sites, but with no success. What changes do I need to make? Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for the advice. However, I doubt the genuineness of the vacancies on these sites. Moreover, what I need to know is if it's something in the skill set that doesn't attract the employers or if it's the industry. I request all those who have viewed to suggest.

Regards.

I am not sure "HOW" you judged that you are "underpaid." Could you please elaborate?

Factors Influencing Compensation

In general, please note that the CTC of any professional depends on a lot of factors—not just one's degree or experience level—many of which may not be in the individual's control, like the location, domain/sector, general global business environment, etc.

However, this is not to deny that you could be underpaid. I would like to understand your logic better to channel your thought process in the right direction. All the best.

Regards,
TS

Greek John,

I feel you are a bit obsessed with the pay aspect.

Let's First Look at Your Qualifications

MBA! What were your subjects? What institute did you graduate from? How did you fare? As a MASTER, did you acquire the ability to analyze a situation and deduce the underlying causes?

If yes, you would have realized that today the world is full of MBAs! It's a supply and demand situation. Employers have the option of choosing from a vast pool of candidates.

So first, calm down and lift yourself out of depression. You are fortunate to have a job! Second, start enjoying your job instead of moping around. When you start appreciating things, your performance improves. You become a value for money to your employer. That is when you become eligible for a raise. You have to demonstrate results! Productivity is key!! Thirdly, enhance your qualifications if possible. In today's environment, a plain MBA is just that – a plain MBA.

I do not intend to diminish your credentials but want to bring you back to reality. Please shake yourself out of depression, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. The fact that you have had the courage to question your position on this forum suggests that you have the potential for improvement. So go ahead, my friend, and make it happen.

I wish you the very best.

Regards,
Colonel Gahlot
'TRURECRUIT'

Your salary doesn't necessarily reflect your caliber. Probably, you compared your pay with those of your batchmates and friends, some or maybe most of whom you knew were probably not as good as you, and came to the conclusion that you were underpaid. Moreover, as a recruiter, you would have gotten to know about the salary of a lot of people whom you would have had a chance to gauge through telephonic/direct screening. Assuming these have happened, it is only natural to feel depressed, but the sooner you come out of your mood, the better. Take it as a passing phase of your career and grab the opportunities that come your way. It is important to view your current job from a long-term/strategic point while keeping an eye open for opportunities outside. Try to take up more responsibilities whenever there is a chance. Who knows, your management may then think of handing over some of the HR generalist roles to you and maybe hire a fresher to help you out with recruitment. At the end of the day, it's the attitude that makes the difference! Do a good job, and results will follow.

Good luck,

Robin

Thank you all for the response. I noticed all the respected suggestions focused on one point - Attitude. Yes, I do believe in the same, but at times the reality grills me down.

MBA and Career Progression

Talking about the MBA, yes, there are many out there. But I was disheartened as in the present finance company where I was employed for 2 years. I started with 10k and now earn 15k. A new joiner with just 1 year of experience, who was a reference of the CEO, joined us for 25k, even though her responsibilities are not extensive. I don't understand the logic. I am not making a comparison, as my job involves a lot of traveling, meeting targets, etc. Additionally, I have developed policies. These issues are concerning when you feel really down.

Dealing with Favoritism

I have noticed that favoritism plays a more significant role than hard work. Should I still hold on to hope or move on?

Please understand that there is not much cause for concern in your case. There are many ways to articulate your thoughts. One issue is your struggle with a dilemma regarding your salary and whether you would like to discuss this with your HR department to resolve it.

Steps to Address Salary Concerns

You may want to follow certain steps that I have heard some employees take in similar situations:

- Keep track of all the accomplishments you have achieved since your last employee evaluation. Ensure that your notes reflect positively on you. You can refer to these when discussing your achievements with your employer or HR.

- When presenting your ideas, emphasize that you performed well previously and even better this time. Do not give the impression that you are only sharing ideas to secure a higher salary; instead, demonstrate that you are working to benefit the company.

- Most importantly, before taking any action, conduct research to compare your compensation for similar tasks with what competitors are paying for similar positions. If you find that your employer pays less than market competitors, be prepared to present the information you have gathered.

Do not give your employer a reason to prompt you to explore opportunities elsewhere. Instead, emphasize that you are worth more than what other professionals in your field are earning.

Good luck!

Thank you, Sharmila. Regarding talking to my senior, I have done that many times. However, all I receive in return is a smile and a pat on the back. Meanwhile, individuals closely related to the senior receive better pay, etc. In short, I have started feeling taken for granted, as I am the primary point of contact for all matters, regardless of whether they concern HR.

For a moment, forget about what your salary is—whether you are underpaid or overpaid. Begin to do some self-introspection on the lines Sharmila Das mentioned. That would give you an idea of where you stand vis-a-vis your efforts. When you do this exercise, please ensure you criticize yourself for any lacunae or shortcomings too—else such an exercise has the danger of making you self-pity yourself—which I am sure isn't your objective. Hope you get what I mean.

Once you are clear on the end results, it would also give you leads on the next course of action.

Based on what you mention about the reactions/responses of your senior, what you mentioned ('feeling of taking me for granted') does look to be a possibility—but it's too early to conclude anything. Prima facie, any senior ought to give some workable feedback to his/her junior, especially when asked specifically, for the benefit of the individual and the organization—unless he/she has concluded that you are beyond redemption (from his/her point of view, mind you).

Once you have the inputs in hand, then maybe you can post them on CiteHR for the members to suggest the options open to you.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Thank you, tajsateesh. I would like to know if there is any specific duration one needs to stick to a company. I have been asked many times by my colleagues as well as friends why I am still staying here despite being in this salary bracket.

It is rather unfortunate that you feel you are underpaid. Firstly, it is never a good idea to discuss your pay with your colleagues or friends. Secondly, since you feel depressed about your pay, your performance at work could be affected, and it might be difficult, if not impossible, for you to put in your best. Now that you have discussed it with your senior, he/she may start thinking you are no longer happy with your job, and that alone is enough for your appointment to be terminated.

Recommended Actions

I feel the best course of action for you is to:
1. Seek medical help for your depression.
2. Start looking for another job as soon as possible, as you might end up losing your job. This may sound harsh, but I have seen it happen so many times. Please note that I am in no way suggesting that you should leave your current job, but it would do you a world of good if you can find a job in which you will be happy.

Take care and good luck.

Regards,
Nuga