Feeling Stuck in Admin Tasks: How Can I Revive My HR Career and Skills?

Hi all, I am an HR professional with 2 years and 5 months of experience and currently associated with an IT company based in Pune. This is my second company, and I have been with this firm for the last 1 year and 4 months. I came here with many career expectations. However, issues arose after 8 months of employment. We have 110 employees and 3 HR personnel (1 Manager and 2 Executives). Interestingly, even the director (owner of the firm) handles most of the main HR tasks as he does not trust HR with sensitive data. I had (and still have) high expectations for my career advancement.

Unfortunately, the current environment does not allow me to learn anything related to my interests in HR. In my previous company, I had ample opportunities to learn. However, I left that firm due to job security concerns. I am now faced with management imposing more Admin-related activities on me, including housekeeping tasks.

I feel an immediate need to take action as I sense my HR skills are becoming outdated. During interviews, I am repeatedly asked about the need for change, and my current company offers a salary above industry standards, which makes me anxious about the future. Many companies reject me due to salary considerations as a secondary concern.

While a week or two of idleness may be manageable, sitting in this situation for months is truly frustrating. I am eagerly awaiting valuable thoughts and suggestions.

Thank you.

Dear Anonymous,

Sometimes one faces a situation like what you are facing now. Salary, job security, job satisfaction, and job enrichment may be at loggerheads at times. You need to make a decision about your priority. Enrich your knowledge by studying books, following the latest trends, reading good articles, and thus keeping yourself active and updated. Opportunities will come. There is very little you can do to change your bosses. Have patience.

V. Raghunathan
Chennai

Navigating Career Challenges in HR

Your intention to learn more about HR is commendable. If you feel you are being diverted to administrative tasks, continue to complete the work assigned while preparing for a job change. Spend time reading about trends and issues in HR to stay updated. Volunteer for extra HR tasks even if you are being pushed into administrative roles. The future is unpredictable, so there's no point in worrying about it. Never hesitate to inquire about the salary your qualifications and experience could earn in other companies and industries. These kinds of issues arise in every working professional's life and need to be faced according to the circumstances. By doing administrative work, you can showcase your skills to the employer, and they will also develop trust and confidence in you.

Embracing Administrative Roles for Career Growth

It will be worthwhile to go into the admin role with full energy and vigor and try to master the area, as it would enhance your scope of employment within HR. Take it as a positive step and keep abreast of HR knowledge as you continue with your work. Since your pay is not an issue, one of the prime concerns, it will be beneficial to learn as you have just started your career, and admin is also a related area until recently.

We still have some companies that combine these two areas into one, or the head will be taking care of both areas. Grab the opportunity and work hard; you will succeed.