Feeling Stuck in My HR Role: Should I Consider Leaving After Just 6 Months?

Hello Everyone, I am an MBA in HR from Lucknow University and got campus placement in an FMCG industry in UP East. My job profile is the same as I've always wanted, i.e., of an HR Generalist. However, gradually, I am coming to understand that although it is a good job, somewhere I am not able to learn as much as I thought I would before taking the job.

Challenges in the HR Role

The work is quite typical, where everybody in the organization thinks that HR is only good for recruitment. But I have no major interest in recruitment; instead, I am interested in performance management and training, which I am not able to focus on due to the typical mindset of the top management. Even my salary package is not that good.

While reflecting on all these points, I realize that my efficiency is decreasing, and I am worried that my career will become stagnant.

I request all my seniors to kindly provide me with solutions for this as I am having a really hard time thinking about this.

Regards

Zufar Jamal, you have articulated your career problem well, and it is clear that you know what your career plans are and what you want to pursue in your career path. Start searching for a new job according to your preferences, and once you secure one, leave your current job. Don't forget to communicate to your potential employer everything you mentioned in your query during the interview.

Well, it looks like you have accepted the offer without going through or knowing the job description in detail, and that's why you are facing such a problem. Even some companies don't provide a detailed job description, and in that case, you need to ask what exactly your profile and job will be for the post you have applied for or been selected for. Based on the same, you can decide to accept or reject the offer.

However, think again about what exactly you want, and choose and apply carefully for the jobs that fulfill your needs.

Thank you so much for your valuable reply. I really appreciate it. But the thing is, I'm not handling what I want to, and I am not getting any jobs in that regard. The problem I am having is that if I work on this for too long, I might get stuck with the current profile and receive offers only for the same profile. My question remains whether I should leave and search for the profile I want or continue with the same. Sometimes it gets so irritating, and I do lack confidence at times too, which leads to a decline in my performance. I would really appreciate it if you could help me with the same.

Regards

Hi Zufar Jamal,

As you have just started your career, I would suggest that you stay for at least one year in the initial company. Since it is your favorite profile and it's your first job, don't think too much; just learn whatever you can in this company for the next 6 months and then give proper notice before leaving the company. It is our professional ethic to do everything in a proper way.

Once you complete 1 year in the company, then your experience will count. Especially, HR profiles highly demand experience. Please don't make the wrong decision and step out from the organization.

Regards,
Raviteja

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your valuable input. Just one more thing, sir. I need to ask you about the role salary plays at my career stage, as I am not receiving a sufficient amount. What approach should I take?

Regards

Well, it looks like you have accepted the offer without going through or knowing the job description in detail, and that's why you are facing such a problem. Even some companies don't put the detailed job description, and in that case, you need to ask what exactly your profile and job for the post you have applied or selected will be, and based on the same, you decide to accept or reject the offer. However, think again about what exactly you want, choose, and apply carefully for the jobs that only fulfill your needs.

Thank you for your valuable reply. As I have mentioned earlier, I haven't done an MBA from a very good B-School as far as HR is concerned. This was the only vacancy that came my way through my college apart from consultancies. I didn't have other options at that point in time. But as time is passing, I am not getting any clear answers coming my way about my current position because I don't want to get stuck in this profile. By all these things, somewhere my energy, enthusiasm, and confidence are not the same as when I started my career.

Regards

Look for the following options:

1. **Is it possible for you to move laterally to training and performance management functions in your present organization if you show initiative?** If so, try this option to gain exposure in other HR functions.

2. **Sometimes companies have the policy to deploy freshers in recruitment, and after some time, they deploy them in other jobs since recruitment is also one of the HR functions.** Please go through the company's policy and their onboarding process. If this is the case, you may regret leaving the job later.

3. **Be sure about the reason for the job change.** Is it really the fear of being stuck in the current profile or the feeling of being underpaid, as you are complaining of a low package? Please be informed that even for a fresher, the package is commensurate with the reputation of the college, the potential of the candidate, and the understanding of HR concepts. In the initial stages of your career, the emphasis shall be on learning skills. Money will follow later.

4. **Even in recruitment, there is a lot to be learned.** For example, have you understood what talent is and how to identify it? These are the questions you are likely to encounter in interviews for other functions of HR that you are targeting, as the interview panel may want to know that you have an aptitude for learning.

5. **After thorough analysis only, you shall take a call on job switch.**

Regards,
B. Saikumar

Hi Zufar, your problem is not very big. You need to make some changes. You can learn many things from your company as management doesn't know about the HR system, so you will not be under much pressure. Learn the basic system, highlight your points in your resume so that recruiters will notice it, and you will soon get your dream job. Being a fresher, landing an HR job is quite challenging nowadays. You are working in a manufacturing and branded company; stay there, learn, and don't leave until you find a better job.

Regards,
Dinesh

Zufar Jamal,

You have articulated your career problem well, and it is evident that you are clear about your career plans and aspirations. Begin searching for a new job that aligns with your preferences, and once you secure one, transition out of your current role. During the interview process, remember to communicate all the points you mentioned in your query to your potential employer.

Advice for Career Development

My advice is that this is the beginning of your career, so stick to your current assignments. Endeavor to learn as much as possible from your new job. Not all companies allow newcomers to handle all kinds of HR assignments. If you are tasked with recruitment, ensure you learn it thoroughly as it will benefit your future career progression. Do not underestimate any job, as each role presents learning opportunities. Stay resilient and work hard to master it.

Best regards

I too subscribe to the advice given by most of the valued contributors. You are too young and inexperienced at the moment to handle what you desire your career goal to be. Moreover, how much recruitment can an FMCG be involved in? They are sure to move you to more challenging assignments. If you were working with a placement consultant, there was a chance of you getting stamped as a recruiter. But, in the case of FMCG, I don't think you need to fear about it.

As far as I know, the profile of an HR Generalist is quite difficult to come by in today’s market scenario, especially in the sector where you are. You should always look for opportunities, but unless you join an organization and start working, you cannot be sure that what has been promised will be given right away. Please give time to the management also to assess your strengths as they also cannot hand over PMS and HRD to rookies. You can meanwhile update your knowledge on the areas of your choice and change only when you get a better offer. Experience of less than a year is rarely counted as experience, and you also cut a sorry figure of being a job hopper.

All the best for a great professional career and a bit more patience.

Regards,
Dr. Parveen Ahmed Alam

Understanding Your HR Career Path

Morning Zufar, I hope you are doing well at your level. I can easily understand your concern. We all who are experienced today were, at some point, a fresher like you. Normally, in the beginning, people start switching; the reason can be anything.

But my point is, if you are working in a core recruitment company, then it will be compulsory that you have to focus 90-100% on recruitment, and you can perform if you have a passion for that profile. HR doesn't mean only recruitment, but yes, in all companies, the percentage of recruitment in your job profile can differ. HR is a very vast concept, like maintaining MIS, event organization, employee welfare, employee engagement, and everything will be done if you are willing to do that. And remember, every new idea needs some time to be accepted by others.

So, as a whole, I believe until you get a good opportunity, stay with this one and bring more innovative ideas in front of your seniors. Until then, it's up to you whether you want to learn or not because some say, "Only I can teach myself, no one else."

Feel free to get in touch with me for any other clarifications or support you may need.

Keep up the good work.

Best Regards,
Shalini, HR.

Dear Zufar, I completely agree with Mr. Saikumar and Mr. Ravi Teja. Your career is at a very initial stage, especially in HR, for you to comment on stagnancy aspects. HR is a vast and extensive field; each area has a lot to understand and study. HR jobs are difficult to come by. I would suggest you stick to your current role, learn, and imbibe the aspects of HR from your seniors for at least a year and a half. You will find yourself much more capable and confident to take on new roles.

Every job has something exciting to offer; you just have to arm yourself with that excitement and continue. I am sure you will soon be well-established in your forte! All the best!!

It's good to hear that you were selected in campus placement and joined immediately after the completion of your MBA. Don't leave the job until you get your dream job. My best suggestion is to go for certified training on performance appraisal from a reputable institute. Work on a live project and gain some real-time experience. Approach the HR department head or MD and express your interest along with your certifications. If they are genuinely interested in retaining you, they will offer you a new position; otherwise, explore other companies that can provide you with the desired role. Salary should not be a constraint since you are a fresher.

Wishing you a bright future.

You are a fresh MBA graduate, and I am glad to note that you have been recruited through the Campus Recruitment Programme in an FMCG company in UP East. You are in the initial stage of your career, which is often referred to as the learning stage.

Regarding Your Role as an HR Generalist

Consider each task as a challenge. Complete the tasks diligently to impress your department. If you are not interested in continuing as an HR Generalist, you can discuss with your boss the possibility of transitioning to a specialist role where you can focus on a specific area.

It seems you may be concerned about your career path, but there is no need to worry at this stage. Take this time as a learning opportunity to acquire knowledge and demonstrate your capabilities when the right opportunities arise.

Approach your career with a positive mindset and do not be too concerned about the compensation package currently.

I wish you the best of luck for a successful and fulfilling career.

Regards,
S. Deepak Trivedi

My Two Bits:

- Six months is too little time to judge a job, especially if it's your first job.

- Work is typical and routine everywhere—it's not as if HR generalists in other companies are building rockets. In fact, even building rockets becomes routine after a while. You need to balance your desire for thrill with the need to do the same thing for a long time in order to attain excellence.

- Switching jobs is fine. If done smartly, it can really launch your career. However, you need to be rational about why you are switching and where you are going. Don't have unrealistic expectations.

- Play the long-term game. Build skills, enhance your resume, and expand your network. Then, use them to land your dream job. Avoid hastily jumping off the ship.