Unemployment HR Professional - should I still wait for suitable job or go for any other type of job?

Dear Experts,

I seek some advice. I am an HR Professional with 7+ years of experience and had been working as Assistant Manager HR in an IT company for 2.5 years. That was a pretty good job, but I had to quit last August due to my mother's critical condition. I wanted to take a break for 2-3 months. After that, I am searching for a suitable job but have had no results. Now, I am losing patience and feeling that this year I may not get one, and the gap will increase. In desperation, I am thinking of changing fields and going for any other type of work available in the market.

What would you suggest? Should I still wait for a suitable job or go for any other type of job with a lower package and profile?

Thank you for your advice.

It's an unprecedented situation due to Covid-19. Job opportunities are on the declining trend, and the situation does not seem to be better in the near future as well. Working From Home during the lockdown period has opened a gate to many Institutes/Organisations/MNCs by managing the work with skeletal or minimum staff. Hence, many are under the threat of losing their jobs, and the employment opportunities are also getting depleted.

It's not the situation in India, but worldwide. One needs to explore all possibilities for being employable under the crisis of Covid-19.

Thank you, sir, for your piece of mind. However, I am looking for advice on whether I should pursue a job in another field, such as BPO, clerical work, teaching, or any other opportunity I come across. Alternatively, should I wait and utilize this time for certifications, etc.?

Hi,

It's an individual choice to measure and determine what his or her priorities are in life and where he or she is looking to be in the future. Further, if there are no financial constraints, one may consider upgrading their qualifications (which is always seen as the best option) by enrolling in a certification course in their desired area or field to enhance their skills.

However, as mentioned earlier, considering the current scenario and market outlook, there seems to be little chance of improvement in the near future. The crisis and its impacts are likely to persist into 2021. It is also possible that once the crisis subsides, we may witness significant changes in how individuals, markets, and industries are perceived.

Dear friend,

Unexplained long gaps in an employee's career will eventually affect his/her employability in the future. Core HR functions are the same in all types of industries. Therefore, instead of being idle and unemployed, you can choose BPO if any offer is there.

Choosing a lesser job may be the least option and is mostly dependent upon your pecuniary compulsions. If you accept such jobs, it would certainly be an impediment to getting restored to your original specialty of HR. Instead, you may look for any position of general management in any medium-scale industry for the time being.

In a precarious situation like the one you are facing as of now, one has to be one's own Prime Minister!

First of all, do not be afraid. Please calm down. Losing a job or opportunities is not the end of the world. The whole employment ecosystem thrives on your unfounded fears of employment gaps, deviation from your field, etc. It is utmost expected from a decent professional like you that you not be in the rut for your whole life and just prioritize work, work, and work. It is absolutely fine to have personal circumstances, and they can be explained truthfully to prospective employers as well.

Just do the following:
1. Search for a job aggressively.
2. Pursue education in HR - just to justify your efforts during all this time.
3. Take a pay cut if offered a job in your field.
4. Re-adjust life, lifestyle, and livelihood.

Thank you so much, Umakanth sir and P-Lekha Mam, for boosting my morale. I do not have any immediate financial need, so I have decided to go for online certificates and training and wait for a suitable opportunity in the HR field. Be it a lower position or salary, I am going to accept it.

Thanks a lot.

Shivani

Hi Shivani,

If you have a LinkedIn profile, please share your resume and details. I know a few recruiters from Pune who can help you to get a job.

Regards, Margaret