Struggling to Re-enter HR After Caring for Parents: What Educational Path Should I Take?

Hi, I'm Ramesh. I worked as an HR manager in the service industry. For the past three years, I've been jobless as I had to quit my job to look after my elderly parents. I have a total of seven years of post-qualification experience as an HR Generalist, but I have been unable to get calls due to being jobless for three years, despite clearly mentioning the reason for my unemployment.

Now that my parents have recovered, I am planning for future education. Please suggest which educational path would be better for me. Even if it's outside of an HR career, I am willing to pursue it and start a new career. However, I would appreciate suggestions both within and outside of HR.

Regards,
Ramesh

As you have mentioned that you have been jobless for 3 years, and if you are saying that you were looking after your parents during this time, the first question that arises is, WHY 3 YEARS? Three years is a very long time, and practically, it is not likely that someone has to sacrifice 3 years to take care of parents. Please note that this is not just my opinion; this is what any HR professional would think at first glance. Since you have clearly mentioned this in your resume, I believe this may be the reason you are not receiving interview calls. Therefore, my suggestion to you is not to include this information in your resume. Instead, focus on getting interview calls first. During face-to-face interactions, you will be in a better position to justify your gap. With 7 years of rich experience in a generalist profile, I advise you not to waste your experience by seeking jobs in other domains.

All the best!

There are times when you need to place family at the top of your priority list, and taking a break from work for a genuine cause should be appreciated. It is probably not a good idea to shift your domain just because you find it difficult to get an opportunity. Ideally, you should follow your passion and do what you truly love. If you are passionate about HR, rest assured it is only a matter of time before you find the right break. In the meantime, obtain the supporting medical documents of your parents to substantiate the reason behind the break in your career, be open to relocation for the right job, read extensively, and keep learning. Good luck!

Thanks,
Robin

I couldn't agree more with what Mr. Robin Thomas has suggested—it hit the bull's-eye. Having said this, I would like you to understand another aspect, which is the desire to pursue further education.

I'm sorry, but you haven't stated what your present qualification is. If I may guess, it's probable that you want to seek an HR specialization which you haven't pursued so far. Let me caution you: you are back in the same old rat race—qualifying competitive exams, expensive course fees, etc.

If that's what it is going to be, then I think you should aim for premier institutions like the IIMs, XLRI, TISS, and then not stop there. Go on to do research, and maybe a Ph.D., too. To become employable as an 'expert' this time around, this would be the formula, of course with a 'big' hope that you'll get the admissions, which isn't one bit easy. All this would be an investment of another 5-6 years. Can you afford this in terms of time and money? So now that you know that's what you've got to aim for, think about it.

If you have to get back to work, yes, it's not going to be easy. You'll have to try hard, be willing to be open to relocating, and also on 'compensation.' People might want to offer you as little as possible, trying to exploit your need for the job and also because of your personal pressure to take up a job as you need it for a comeback and more importantly for survival.

One Strong Advice

DO NOT WITHHOLD ANY INFORMATION ON YOUR CV AND ALWAYS BE HONEST IN YOUR THOUGHT, SPEECH, AND ACTIONS. If there is a 'gap,' so be it; do not hide, conceal, or falsify.

People like me will value you purely for your honesty and sincerity. I've been very accommodating of people who speak the truth and make an honest confession and will give them the best opportunity to express themselves so that we are able to see the person completely before we make a decision to hire. On the contrary, if I catch anyone telling a lie, however skillful or smart he/she may be, that person will never get the 'nod' from me.

I narrated this to you purely because there could be people of this nature in many other places too. I'm sure several of those experienced senior members in this community would endorse what I said.

Take care, and best wishes.