Feeling Stuck in My Career: How to Navigate Mixed Experience in HR, Finance, and Administration?

Hi Everyone, I really need help and guidance from you and all the experienced people out there. I am stuck in my thoughts and feeling depressed.

Career Journey and Current Dilemma

I started my job at the age of 18 as a receptionist in an eye hospital. Alongside my job, I completed my bachelor's in commerce and joined the same hospital as an accountant. However, my work as an accountant is quite different. My work profile includes HR operations, finance operations, administration, and accounting. I have also completed a master's in commerce while working.

Experience and Job Search Challenges

I have a total of 3 years of experience as a receptionist and 6 years of experience as an accountant (with varied responsibilities as mentioned above). I have been looking for a new job for the past 1.5 years but have not received any opportunities or interview calls despite applying continuously.

Seeking Advice on Career Direction

I believe my mixed experience might be the reason. I am very good with numbers, HR, and administration, but I am unable to decide what I actually like. Please suggest which field I should pursue further. Also, what designation should I mention in my CV? I am the only person here handling all duties related to HR, finance, administration, and accounts for more than 6 years.

Please help me. Thank you!

Dear member,

From your post, it emerges that you had to start your career at quite an early stage. However, defying the odds, you have pursued your education. Pursuing an education while putting up with the vagaries of the job is no easy task; however, you have done it. You did not just contend with graduation, but you have completed post-graduation as well. This shows you have very strong determination. You are a growth-oriented person. Well done! Keep it up!

Though you have been applying for jobs, you are not getting interview calls. You have correctly identified the reason for it, which is the variedness of your experience.

Career Options

Now you have three options to pursue your career further. It is HR, Accounts, or Administration. However, among the three, I feel that the middle one, i.e., Accounts, could be the right one. This is because you openly say that you are good with numbers. However, please note, being good with numbers is different from being good at maintaining books of accounts.

Pursuing Administration

If you decide to pursue your career in the field of administration, then you may consider doing a diploma in hospital administration. That is the logical choice to back up your career in the administration stream.

Conducting a SWOT Analysis

Before making a decision about your career development, I recommend you do a "SWOT Analysis" of your career. Click on the hyperlink to read my past post on this concept. An accurate understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses helps in developing self-awareness. When people lack self-awareness, they tend to blame external factors for their inability to grow. However, they fail to realize that the limiting factors are within them and not outside. People with low self-awareness fall into another trap. As they gain experience, they start believing that what they write, say, or advise is always right.

Building Essential Skills

In addition to academics, you need to build skills that support career development. Some important skills include communication skills, presentation skills, business writing skills, interpersonal skills, and more. Watch videos on YouTube or read materials to improve these skills. Feedback on these skills is also essential. While writing this, I do not mean to say that your communication skills are poor. Even though you are not from HR or a manager, the quality of your post is quite good. However, there is always room for continuous improvement, hence this suggestion.

Seeking Career Guidance

The second sentence of your post reads, "I am stuck in my thoughts and feeling depressed." This might be because until now, you relied on yourself for personal development, which was sufficient. However, from now on, you may need career guidance. Pursuing academic courses may not require guidance, but career development is different. I wish you had sought career guidance earlier or approached this forum earlier.

Dealing with Uncertainty

Lastly, remove the word "depression" from your dictionary. Feeling clueless because you haven't succeeded in getting a better job is natural. However, dealing with cluelessness is part and parcel of life. Business owners, when unable to grow their business, also become clueless. After 25-30 years, you might feel clueless about how to develop your child's career. Therefore, learn to cope with the uncertainties of life or the inability to understand what is happening.

While wishing you all the best, I also want to say, "Don't give up!"

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Hi, It is very common in small to mid-sized organizations that roles and responsibilities are not confined to one particular area, and management often aims for maximum utilization of manpower with limited resources. Being able to perform multiple tasks at work is considered a strength. However, as the idiom goes, "A Jack of all trades is a master of none." When you start advancing in terms of hierarchy, you need to focus on one particular specialization area where you believe you can excel.

As you possess a Master of Commerce degree and claim to be good with numbers, if you are very interested in accounts, then highlight your accounts-related qualifications, knowledge, accomplishments, and related software skills like Tally or payroll software in your resume.

Alternatively, if you are interested in pursuing a career in HR, then you need to emphasize HR-related tasks like the volume of recruitment handled, statutory compliance managed, employee relations, PR skills, etc., in your resume. Also, consider taking some HR-related courses, either a diploma or degree, for future career advancement.

So, please avoid projecting a mix of different skill sets that are not relevant to one particular specialization area. Importantly, please don't give up; keep moving forward.

Wish you all the best!

To add to the notable solutions given above, I would like you to continue your learning and make it a lifelong process. Having secured a PG degree in Commerce, you should continue your education to understand the most recent developments in your area of competence, particularly in accounts and finance matters. There is so much available on the net, you will never be bored.

Your effort to move ahead in your career has not fructified; understand that the country has gone through the worst economic crisis in the past two years, and there have been job losses in all sectors. Now that things are improving, you have every reason to feel optimistic.

Your profile would impress any recruiter; tireless effort to move ahead in life would impress. This is one quality that counts a lot once there is a proper job opening.

In your CV, you need to highlight the aspects suiting the job specifications you choose to apply for. Since you are designated as an Accountant, a jump to HR or Administration would put you only at the lowest level, whereas your experience of 6 years in Accounts would render you eligible for middle-level posts in medium-scale organizations.

Dear All, With reference to the previous query, please advise me on the correct designation to include in my CV. I handle responsibilities across four profiles - HR, Finance, Accounts, and Administration as the sole employee managing these functions in the current organization. The total employee count is 100, and my current salary slip lists my designation as Head of HR and Admin.

However, I have the flexibility to change my designation on the salary slip at any time.

Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Dear All, With the continuation of the previous query, please let me know exactly what designation I should mention in my CV as I work across all four profiles - HR, Finance, Accounts, and Administration. I am the only employee handling these roles in my current organization, which has a staff size of 100. On my salary slip, the designation mentioned is Head of HR and Admin. However, I have the right to change the designation on my salary slip at any time. Please guide me. Thank you!

Today From India, Mumbai

Hi Everyone, I really need help and guidance from all you experienced people out there. I am stuck in my thoughts and feeling depressed.

My Career Journey

I started my job at the age of 18 as a Receptionist in an eye hospital. Alongside my job, I completed my bachelor's in commerce and then transitioned within the same hospital to work as an accountant. However, my responsibilities are diverse, encompassing HR operations, finance operations, administration, and accounting. The organization has 90-100 employees. I have also pursued a master's in commerce and am currently enrolled in a Postgraduate Diploma in Management through hybrid learning.

Experience and Job Search Challenges

I have accumulated 9.5 years of experience within the same organization—3 years as a Receptionist and 6.5 years in a combined role of Accountant and HR/Admin. I have been actively seeking new job opportunities for the past 1.5 years but have not received many interview calls despite consistent applications.

Seeking Advice on Career Direction

My varied experience might be hindering my job search. I excel in numbers as well as HR and administration tasks, making it challenging to determine my true passion. I seek your advice on which field I should pursue further.

Designation Dilemma

Moreover, I am uncertain about the appropriate designation to use on my CV. I am the sole individual managing all HR, finance, administration, and accounting duties for over 6.5 years, and my salary slip designates me as the Head of HR & Admin. However, I hold the authority to change my designation as I report directly to the directors and CEO.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Dear member, Your post was replied to by three senior members. Upon receiving their replies, you have posted three more times, with the first two being identical and the third replicating the original post. What is the reasoning behind posing the same question repeatedly? Additionally, none of the posts displayed explicit acknowledgment. What is the rationale for omitting this basic courtesy?

Before seeking career guidance, it seems imperative to acquire guidance on business etiquette. I suggest prioritizing the learning of business etiquette, as this may be a contributing factor to your career stagnation.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Member, It's good that you have started your career at an early stage and have now attained good qualifications and experience in the corporate sector. In my view, you should consider moving into the accounting field, as there is a high demand for experienced professionals in all industries and corporate settings. Additionally, in your profile, please indicate your role as an Admin Executive or Front Desk Executive (for a receptionist position), and as an accountant, specify your title as Senior Associate Account & Administration. However, focus only on accounting jobs going forward. Remember to update your CV regularly.

GOOD DAY.

As you mentioned yourself, two contrasting jobs put you in conflict. HR is a socialized and outgoing kind of job, whereas an accountant's role is introverted and focused, requiring little or no communication. Since you have experience in both roles and now handle managerial responsibilities, you could be considered an ambivert. This makes you a generalist eligible for a General Manager position.

While performing these two jobs, which one provided intangible satisfaction beyond salary? Which role was stress-free, energizing, or made you feel connected to a department or colleague? Understanding this will be crucial for your future endeavors.

A more detailed analysis is needed to determine which role suits you best. HR involves various areas of work, while accounting may focus on internal and external aspects, audits, etc. Alternatively, you could position yourself as a generalist with exposure to both HR and finance.

If you are interested in discovering your career anchors, there is scientific evidence from psychometric testing that can provide insights. Feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or contact the number provided below.

High Regards,
Regalla Ravikanth

Sr. Career Counseling Psychologist and Behavioral Trainer
Group Head
Psychologist's Consulting Group (PCG)
Dilsukhnagar
Hyderabad 500035
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]

It sounds like you have experience in two distinct fields: reception and accounting. If you're experiencing confusion about your career path, consider the following:

Assess your strengths and interests

What do you enjoy about each role? Where do you excel and find fulfillment?

Consider the job market

Are there opportunities for growth in your current field, or is it time to switch to another area?

Take advantage of resources

Seek advice from a career counselor, mentor, or someone in your network who has a similar background.

Try new opportunities

Consider taking on a side job or volunteer work in a field that interests you to gain additional experience and knowledge.

Ultimately, it's important to choose a path that aligns with your skills, interests, and values. It may take some exploration and experimentation to find the right fit, but it's worth the effort to build a fulfilling career.

Hello, It is heartrending to note that you have worked in multiple areas, and now that you are looking for a change in your job, analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Also, analyze which area you are strongest in among the various positions you have handled so far and stick to that position, whether it is Accounts or HR, whichever suits your career. Accordingly, upgrade your skills either through training or academics.

All the best.

Thanks,

I read your explanation of your career and advancement in education. This is very good progress.

Career Path and Experience

Now, as your career path from Receptionist, Accountant-BCom, and Accountant MCom, you have 9 years of experience in an Eye Hospital. Remember to eliminate your first 3 years' position. If you prefer career advancement in the same field of Eye Hospital, then it is good. As an accountant, you gained experience in various department activities. So now, when you prepare your CV, please put on top "9 years experienced person in the Eye Hospital with total knowledge of an Eye Hospital with all functions like..." (list them) etc., etc.

Aspiration to Work as a General Manager

Wishing to work as a General Manager of an Eye Hospital. Your experience is equivalent to an MBA. Don't get discouraged. Don't follow this advertising CV-making with fancy words. People need to know your knowledge and not your fancy words. When you know all the departments and operations in an Eye Hospital, your service will be sought after immediately. During the interview, you can explain how you took up the job as a receptionist and progressed in it. It is simply like no one wishes to write "I did SSC or SSLC" and start their education. The same way, just ignore it. As a receptionist, you gained experience in office matters and communication skills. Write the skills. Don't write skillets but write what you make the dishes out of it. Similarly, the first heading of your CV should be "Eye Hospital Experience 9 years with all the departments and looking for a job of General Manager to manage the Eye Hospital and be an asset to the Doctors of Eye Hospital for efficient and professional management."

I'm glad you reached out for help. It sounds like you've been through a lot and have gained a lot of experience in a number of different areas. That's great! Here are some suggestions that may help you make a decision:

Assess your strengths and interests

Take some time to think about what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. What aspects of your current job do you find the most fulfilling and satisfying? This will help you determine what direction to take in your career.

Research different roles and industries

Read up on different roles and industries that align with your strengths and interests. This will give you a better idea of what you might want to pursue.

Seek advice from professionals in your network

Reach out to people in your network who work in industries or roles that you're interested in. Ask for their advice and perspectives on what it's like to work in that field.

Consider your job titles carefully

When it comes to your job titles, you want to be as specific as possible while still accurately representing your experience. If you have experience in HR, finance, administration, and accounting, you could consider calling yourself a "Generalist" or "Operations Manager" to reflect the breadth of your experience.

Keep an open mind

Finally, keep in mind that your career path may not be a straight line. Be open to new opportunities and experiences, even if they're not exactly what you initially envisioned for yourself.

Remember, finding the right career path takes time and self-reflection. Try not to get too discouraged by your job search, and keep persevering. I hope these suggestions help you get started on finding a path that is fulfilling and rewarding for you.

If you are confused about which career path to take, it is best to review your experience and skills. As a receptionist, you could continue in the administrative field, perhaps as an administrative assistant or office manager. Alternatively, you could use your accounting experience to pursue a career in finance, such as a financial analyst or a bookkeeper. You could also pursue a career in accounting, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

It is important to assess your interests and skills, as well as the job market in your area, to determine which career path will be the best fit for you.

Please update your CV to highlight your past administrative experience. Apply for administrative openings where you can utilize your accounting and PR skills.