Career Dilemma: Will Switching to an Admin Role Affect My Future in HR?

Respected Seniors,

I am working as an HR executive in a private limited company. I am responsible for recruitment, joining formalities, hand-holding, and attendance management. I have 1.5 years of experience in the HR domain. However, I have been presented with an opportunity to work for another company as an admin executive with a comparatively better salary than what I am currently earning. This role will primarily involve handling joining formalities, paperwork, payment of utility bills, maintaining bill records, ensuring compliance with government regulations, and liaising with government officials.

Concern About Career Transition

My only concern is whether working as an admin executive would prevent me or make it challenging for me to re-enter the HR domain at a senior position later in my professional life. With only 1.5 years of experience in HR (recruitment/attendance management) or admin experience, would this HR background help me secure better opportunities in the future?

Request for Guidance

I am in urgent need of advice as I have already passed the interview for the admin executive position, and they are offering a significantly higher salary increase than what I could potentially receive through an appraisal in my current company. Please provide guidance as I am currently in a state of confusion.

Seniors, I seek your assistance as I am keen on not jeopardizing my career!

Thank you all in advance.

Good afternoon to you. I am a Central Govt Class 1 Gazetted Officer retired and currently serving as VP (Admin), enjoying my work as when I was in Govt service. I have experience in HR, Admin, and ER-related works throughout my career. Taking on both roles can provide you with more experience than being solely in HR. I worked at DRDO for six years as a manager in security, safety, and firefighting. I am also a qualified labor lawyer (MLL&LW), satellite imagery expert, computer qualified (Diploma from NIIT Pune), and served as a soldier for 36+ years in the Indian Army. I suggest that you pursue new assignments, acquire more qualifications, and broaden your horizon for larger responsibilities. Nothing should hinder you from excelling in both admin and HR roles if you desire to do so.

Suggestions for a Better Outlook on Life:

- (a) Don't pigeonhole yourself early in your career.
- (b) Seek opportunities to expand your educational background for more choices in life.
- (c) Continue your education as it will aid your progress.
- (d) Maintain a positive outlook to embrace life and pursue growth opportunities.

With warm wishes

You are correct. Do not jump into Administration. Admin needs full focus, and with it comes job satisfaction, which will impact your focus on HR in the early stages of your career. Continue your career in HR and focus on more verticals in HR for at least 5 years down the line.

Wishing you good luck.

Regards,
Ukmitra

Advice on Career Path: HR vs. Admin

As you have HR executive experience, I suggest sticking to that because it's a vast and important field in the professional world. When it comes to Admin, it is also good but not as good as HR. The reason I am telling you this is that if you join as Admin, quit, and look for better opportunities, you will receive more admin offers which may not align with the job profile your current company is offering you. My suggestion is to not change your field from HR executive to Admin.

Regards