Feeling Stuck in My HR Career: How Can I Navigate This Transition and Future-Proof My Path?

Dear Seniors,

I have 6 years of experience in HR in a generalist role. My educational qualifications include an MA, DHRM, and MBA in HR.

Reasons for Resignation

I recently resigned as a senior executive from a media company for the following reasons:
1) The company was experiencing a slowdown.
2) I had not received any promotions or increments in the last 3 years.
3) The new management lacked professionalism and was involved in fraudulent activities.

Current Role and Challenges

I have now joined a small firm that deals with car dealerships as the Manager-HR. This company lacks proper systems and professionalism, presenting a challenge for me as they expect me to implement good policies and systems from scratch.

Upon joining, I realized that I need to work at a fundamental level, which I am prepared to do. However, I have some concerns:
1) The company's salary structure is inadequate, with PF provided only for low salaries with a basic of 6500. I am attempting to make changes, but I doubt the management will agree as most employees prioritize their take-home salary.
2) The majority of employees are mechanics, drivers, washers, and technicians, making it challenging to instill professionalism as I envision.
3) I intend to stay with the company for a year and give my best effort.
4) I worry that the current salary structure may have a negative impact on my future prospects.
5) I am unsure if I can transition back to the corporate world without setbacks to my career.

Career Aspirations

I aspire to work for a reputable company with a focus on organizational development, training and development, and performance management.

I am feeling anxious about my career and would greatly appreciate your best suggestions and guidance. I eagerly await your response.

Regards,
JAYASHREE

Of course, you can work with a good professional company if you are confident in your HR competence. Until you get an opportunity (for which you have to try hard), I advise you to continue with the present job and do your best.

There are many initiatives that an HR professional can design, sell to management, implement, and motivate employees. Think outside the box and start with HR initiatives that do not cost your employer (or cost very little) but have great returns like employee engagement, commitment, pride building, team cohesion, etc.

Use this opportunity to design and implement HR systems, processes, and initiatives, which otherwise you may not have, as most organizations would already have them in place. Pursue your dream job with persistence and confidence.

But remember one thing: be a lifelong learner. Keep sharpening your skills, and you will end up where you ought to be.

One more tip: learn to derive satisfaction and happiness from your job. They do not flow on their own; one needs to make efforts. First and foremost is being conscious and aware that you want to be happy with this job. Give that message effectively to your mind, your subconscious mind, by related affirmative messages (auto-suggestion/self-talk), and you will be conditioned to derive happiness; otherwise, it is difficult to find a perfect place, person, or job.

Good luck! Enjoy!

Regards,
Shailesh Parikh

Vadodara, Gujarat

Understanding Your True Worth in the Workplace

How you are seen and valued by others in your work environment is your true demonstrated worth. When expectations exceed one's demonstrated worth, it becomes difficult to reconcile. Qualifications constitute a very meager part of an individual's true worth. People do expect a senior executive HR to have good communication skills (in written and spoken English), besides the right attitude. You may introspect to know where you stand with respect to these two (please read your own insertion above) and put in some effort to improve. It appears you have to change yourself and not carry the impression that companies will change their style and work culture to accommodate you.

Adapting to New Opportunities

Learn to get the best out of an opportunity when you get into a job and quit without grudges if you can't adjust. The least that you can do is to avoid getting into a negative thought cycle. This may harm you only and not anyone else. We, the senior professionals, have passed through these stages and know that things don't go the way you desire; willing adjustment is the key to success.

Dear Ms. Jayashree,

No job is perfect! You are an HR professional, and it seems unwise to keep hopping jobs just because you don't like the unprofessional behavior and poor systems at work. It would be too hasty for someone in such a respected position to make any flippant decisions.

Current Role and Challenges

Now I have joined a small firm; it's a car dealership. I have joined as a Manager-HR. The company lacks systems and professionalism.

Being professional shouldn't be asked; it should be ingrained in a way that when you look in the mirror, you see what you give. Anticipate the queries that may arise when you present yourself in front of those who may not even understand the concept of being "professional."

I found the challenge of working with this organization because they expect the HR person to implement good policies and systems.

Expectations from HR

Is it new for an employer to expect HR to implement the best policies in the organization? In fact, this should be your leverage to excel.

When I joined, I found that I had to work from the root level. I have no issue with that. I am trying my best. But some questions are in my mind:

1) The company's salary structure is not good; they provide PF only for low salaries with a basic of 6500. We do not fall under this category. I am trying to change this, but I don't think management will agree because people's focus is on the take-home salary.

Explain the situation to your management. When they hired you to implement strategies, you should take the issue to them and utilize your communication skills to clarify the facts. The explanation should align with your statement.

2) Most of the employees are mechanics, drivers, washers, and technicians. It's very challenging to instill professionalism the way I envision.

Initially, you can't expect them to behave professionally. "Slow and steady wins the race." They are not professionals; you need to understand that.

3) I will continue with the same company for a year and try my best.

Do you think working uninterestedly for a year will benefit you? Being uninterested and inefficient will be of no use, and once management realizes this, you may be let go.

4) The salary structure, will it have a negative effect in the future when I show it?

Refer to the answer in point 1.

5) Can I join the corporate world again without affecting my career progression?

Honestly, all HR professionals seek structured jobs in well-regarded companies. You have advantages, including knowing the company and not needing retraining. Think logically; if you are strong, you are unbeatable.

I want to work for a good company with good people where I can learn OD, TD, and PMS. I am very anxious about my career. Please provide me with the best suggestions and guidance.

Be honest. How can you determine if this is a good company or if these are good people? Stop worrying, focus on your work environment. Switching careers just for a prestigious title and salary may not lead to quick success. A challenging career will challenge you back. Take care!

Regards,

It happened to me as well. I was in Bangalore and was working with Intel Technology, which is famous for being a "Great Place To Work." Due to personal reasons, I shifted to Indore, a much smaller city. I was just as tense as you are now. However, after a great struggle, I am now well settled and really enjoying my work. I started from the basics and implemented techniques similar to those used in big companies like new employee orientation, creating a preferred work environment, the buddy system, the first day in the office, and fun activities like Friday Fun Day, staff lunches, 5-year completion awards, and birthday celebrations. These techniques worked well for me, and I believe they will work for you too.

Here in Indore, very few people actually understand what HR is all about. My focus has always been on keeping my employees happy and resolving issues promptly. In my current company, the previous HR officer engaged in a lot of manipulation, to the extent that I don't even have employee records, PF challans, or returns. I have faced many challenges, with employees often comparing me to my predecessor. However, I have made them understand how my approach benefits them. I have educated them about their rights, and now they come to me with all their issues, and I guide them through. I am content with this progress. I have implemented the Performance Appraisal System, established all Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and am gradually working towards reaching the same level as my predecessor.

If you need any help, feel free to ask me. I am not suggesting that you take up the same job, but I want to reassure you that it will be beneficial for you. So, don't worry, close your eyes, think about what you truly desire, and start working towards it. Finding a job is not the most significant challenge; undoubtedly, you will secure one, perhaps today or tomorrow. Instead, focus on your profile and interests.

Thanks

The personal experience of Pooja and the inputs given by Shailesh, Bhatia, Sharmila, and Dinesh should be enough to make you feel motivated and relaxed about your future and help you plan it. There is not much left for me to add except to say that since the management of the new company is favorable for introducing good HR practices, you should seize this opportunity to start working on them. This will really make your CV look more competitive. Along with it, brush up on your communication skills. All the best for your future.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai

Please go through the statement given below. You must sustain the hardships and put in your 101%. A lot of members have given you valuable suggestions. I would also say that it's a long way to go, and your sincere efforts will result in your success. The only trees that don't fall during the storm are those that have seen the drought because their roots go very deep.

Thanks,
Bijay