CAN ANYONE HELP ME ON THIS ISSUE??

Dear Seniors,

A few days back, I was going through an ad that compelled me to sit back and think about my life, my job, my priorities. I have always been an avid reader, and over the years, I have come across phrases like "Never work to live INSTEAD live to work" or "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life," among many others.

The practical understanding dawned on me recently. Currently, I am working as a Senior Executive in HR (generic) with around 2 years of work experience, drawing a decent package. However, I am not happy with the job. Initially, there was a lot to do as it was a new setup, but now it seems like I am doing the same job every day. It's a combination of job monotony, the general impression of HR that companies hold – as an expense rather than a revenue generator, and the idea that I am not contributing directly to the company's profitability, among other factors.

I am now considering entering the training field to impart training. Qualities that make me suitable for this field include good communication skills, being a good speaker and listener, out-of-the-box thinking, innovative approaches, being a good facilitator (as I believe it's more about facilitating than teaching), being presentable, having good presentation skills, enjoying researching different topics, and creating presentations on those topics.

I hope I haven't overdone it, but seriously, these are the qualities others have pointed out in me.

Now, I need your guidance and suggestions. Should I join a company that has a dedicated training department? My current company treats training as a cost factor. Should I join a training consultancy with a good clientele? Should I consider starting my own business? However, this doesn't seem very feasible as I do not have much knowledge of the field. Or should I explore opportunities in schools/colleges as a soft skills trainer?

What is the difference between training school kids and corporate professionals? Can you provide details on some of the options you suggest? I am based in Delhi.

I seek guidance from all you seniors and my HR friends who have faced similar situations and managed to come up with solutions.

Waiting for your replies!!!

Best Regards,

Fatima

12 views and no reply? Has nobody faced a similar situation? Looking forward to your advice.

Fatima,

Who said that HR is not a revenue generator for the company? It's HR who recruits and selects the right candidate for the vacant position. They are the ones who scrutinize candidates well and provide assets to the company, generating revenues. We play a major role in finding the right candidate with a good attitude and knowledge. Maintaining good relations with employees and retaining them would help the company in reducing manpower turnover, ultimately decreasing recruitment costs.

Come out of this, Fatima. You need to be proud that you are the person who generates revenues for the company. Whenever you get a chance to explain what you contribute to the company, emphasize this; it will give you great support. Remember, by maintaining good employee relations and formulating good policies, we reduce the attrition rate of the company, which helps in decreasing recruitment costs and providing good talent to the company.

Vijay

Hi,

The way you have put your plans and the feelings, I am happy for you.

But the way you felt, I think that you got carried away with the paper advertisement.

The writer who wrote that ad would have seen such circumstances and written the ad. But I say you are an HR professional with a decent pay package, so think positively about that issue.

I know that you are interested in pursuing a career in training, but academic and corporate training differ a lot. Moreover, I want to tell you that an ad has influenced you to change your mind rather than your true feelings. What's the guarantee that you will stick to the same training process for a lifetime?

Stay within your own organization and try to engage in some creative processes.

Think about your daily routine from morning till night; you do the same tasks repeatedly (waking up, brushing teeth, taking a bath, having breakfast and lunch, traveling, and then having dinner). However, you can make a difference in the way you approach these tasks. Try eating different foods, brushing your teeth differently, taking alternative modes of transportation to the office, and varying your route.

It depends on how you perceive the situation. I understand that you may be performing routine tasks at work, but try to approach them differently, and you will find more fulfillment.

I apologize if my words seemed harsh, but I encourage you to be more practical and maintain a positive outlook on life.

Goodbye,
Sandeep

Hi All,

Even I am facing a similar kind of position. I do not think Fatima got carried away by the thing she read in the newspaper, but this is a situation most of the HR people feel who work for some Indian startups.

I am now planning to get into some good MNC where (I guess) the work would be more structured and organized, and I would get to learn new things while working.

Need suggestions!

Regards,
Poonam

Hi Poonam,

You mention that working with MNCs would not offer much in terms of learning opportunities. However, to be practical and effect a change, having a reputable brand name is necessary for other companies to consider you.

I have experience working with both new startup companies and MNCs, and it all depends on how you approach it. I used to have the same mindset when I began my career, but now I understand the value of focusing on my career growth within MNCs.

In small companies, numerous challenges arise, with a major one being meeting targets and generating revenue. On the other hand, MNCs provide ample opportunities to plan for your career development.

Stay positive.
Goodbye,
Sandeep

Hello,

You have hands-on work experience of about two years, and a part of that may be related to training, specifically for issues such as "Training Needs Assessment," "Organizing Training Programmes," "Sourcing suitable faculty-both internal and external," and "Getting Feedback," etc.

In my personal opinion, this experience is not enough to start functioning as a "trainer," especially as an independent Trainer!

A trainer's effectiveness primarily depends on the credibility perceived by the participants. Good communication skills (which you seem to have anyway) are not sufficient. Theoretical knowledge, conceptualization skills, and hands-on experience in work life issues are also essential.

Just as your company considers training a cost center, many organizations view training as an affordable luxury. Generally, "training" receives more lip service than real commitment. Launching yourself as a freelance trainer, in my personal opinion, is not advisable at this stage.

I feel and recommend that:

1) You should seek an organization genuinely committed to training. Aim to join such a company in their Training Department. If such a department is not yet established, consider joining the HR in Training function.

2) Create visiting faculty assignments for yourself in local management institutes, collaborate with existing trainers, and take on some assignments in their training programs in industry. Coordinate with the local Chamber of Commerce & Industry or other Industry Associations to work out such assignments.

3) Enhance your professional presence. Speak at professional seminars and meetings, start writing in professional journals, etc.

If you follow the above plan for, let's say, three years, you will be ready to launch a Training Consultancy. Until the revenues stabilize and the inflow of work is consistent, ensure you have the financial holding power.

I am not aiming to diminish your enthusiasm but rather suggesting a prudent approach to consider. If further interaction is needed, you are welcome!

Regards,

Samvedan

December 12, 2007

Hi Fatima,

Please read the book by Jim Collins "Good to Great" where you will get some good insights that align with your thoughts. Yes, you are right. It is not just a paper advertisement. We have a lot of examples to support it. The first thing is you have to identify your passion.

Think about the following examples:

1) Sachin Tendulkar loves (is passionate about) cricket - He does not have to work a single day in his life, but it brings him both money and satisfaction.

2) Similarly, MS Subbulakshmi loves music, and that is also her profession.

Coming to your case, assuming that you are good at HR soft skills training and are passionate about it. Then you have to think about how to make it your economic engine (which should also bring you money).

In the book "Good to Great," Jim Collins explains the combination of these three factors using a Venn diagram:
1) Identify your core strength - means you are good at it.
2) You should be passionate about it.
3) That should be your economic engine.

I also recommend the second book "The Alchemist" for you where the author says "Follow your heart."

Hope this helps you.

All the best,

Ramesh

There is good rage and bad rage. Someone who gets angry all the time is impossible to work with. But for the rest of us, occasional bursts of anger, especially if performed with panache, have much to be said for them.

My rage attack had two advantages. First, it was a gift to everyone else. Humdrum office life was briefly interrupted with a little drama. Eyes popped, and suddenly there was something to whisper about at the coffee machine. It was also good for me as it got my blood coursing agreeably through my veins.

Reasons for being miserable at work

Companies have got themselves into a muddle over anger. On one hand, they tell us to feel passionate about our work. On the other, they expect us to be professional at all times - which means keeping our negative emotions under lock and key. Passionate and professional strike me as odd bedfellows.

Actually, I've never really gone along with the idea of passion at work. I've looked the word up in the dictionary, and it means: a strong sexual desire or the suffering of Jesus at the crucifixion. Neither of these quite captures the mood of the average white-collar worker.

However, if what passion means is minding about work, I'm all for it. The trouble is that minding means sometimes feeling furious when things don't go according to plan.

Indeed, for me, work is one long rage opportunity - starting with the fact that the machine that dispenses hot water for tea is on the blink. Clearly, some management of rage is in order, and here is what the experts usually suggest.

Their first tip is to breathe. I've never been able to see what the big deal about breathing is. It keeps me alive, but that's as far as it goes.

Their second is "positive self-talk" - to squash your negative feelings and give the other person the benefit of the doubt. This is dodgy advice. Why should I give my patronizing colleague the benefit of the doubt when he was so clearly in the wrong? The very thought makes me much crosser than I was before.

The third tip is forgiveness. Again, no dice: I don't forgive the water machine and I don't forgive my colleague.

The reason this advice is so hopeless is that it is trying to eliminate anger. Instead, what we all need advice on is how to do anger better. My outburst last week could have been improved on. The first problem is that I don't get angry at work often enough, so last week's row was too shocking to my system. Once every 10 years is too little. Once every 10 minutes is too much. The ideal might be about once every couple of months.

The next problem was that I didn't end it properly. Afterwards, I sought the advice of a pugnacious colleague. He said I should send an email saying: "Don't ever speak to me like that again, and I demand an apology at once."

I rejected this because such emails are not my style. My style is more to nurse a lifelong grudge (and possibly write a column about it). Which approach is better? Clearly, the pugnacious one is. My problem was that I was an anger wimp and didn't follow through.

Apologies all round are a good way of ending it. A fairly senior woman I know often has bad-tempered outbursts but always says a large and generous sorry afterwards. She reckons (and she may be right) that the effect of a furious shout followed by an apology often leaves her victim marginally better disposed to her than before the rage attack.

There are other principles for good anger. It is almost never good to shout at a subordinate. Mine was a row of equals. Second, however angry you are, don't let it spill out of control. Throwing the computer keyboard is not advisable as it makes you look like an idiot, and then your computer doesn't work, making you crosser still.

If you are small and male, anger is to be avoided. A man under 5'7" who loses it at work just looks comic. This isn't fair, but that's the way it goes.

The people who worry me most at work are not the people who get angry but the ones who never do. A calm man I knew in my teens once told me: never lose your temper, it makes you look weak. He had a catastrophic nervous breakdown in his mid-20s, poor man, and is now in sheltered accommodation in Arizona.

Dear Fatima,

I have just seen your post on cite HR, a wonderful platform to air your views truthfully and sincerely. Your predicament, which you have expressed, I believe is straight from your heart.

Now coming to the issue which you have raised. I take it that you have about 2 years of experience. With your kind of thinking and the commitment you have shown to your job, and the way you have expressed yourself, shows that you have the capability to rise in your career. There are many executives who feel the way you do today at this stage of their career. I believe this could be a turning point in your career. The choice you make now will be crucial, and only you can make this choice; advice from people like us is okay. As far as advice is concerned, I believe you cannot get better advice than what Mr. Samvedan has said in his response; please read very carefully what he has said. I happen to know him personally; he is very experienced, very learned, an excellent faculty, and a consultant.

A change in your job profile at this stage would be a permanent change if you finally settle down to Training; it is an excellent option. But I guess for this, you need a lot of experience and maturity. Take the steps suggested by Mr. Samvedan, spend some money, spend some time attending seminars, and maybe a few lectures in a good institute as an understudy to a trainer. If you do choose training as a career option, then do not look back, just go for it; do not make a half-hearted attempt. Training needs a lot of communication skills, a lot of patience, a lot of smiles on the face, listening skills, etc. Work with a consultant for some time and ultimately go into your own consultancy firm; they do well money-wise. Incidentally, I do plan myself to switch to training.

All the very best, God Bless you, and God may lead you to a correct choice.

Col L S Chadha ([Login to view])

Hi Fatima,

It is nice to know that you are area-specific and consider yourself lucky to have identified your interest and wanting to grow in the same. In my opinion, I must say that to acquire expertise in training, one must be a self-learner, self-motivator, and a quick decision-maker. The qualities you mentioned are totally appropriate for a person to become a trainer. If people have pointed out such qualities in you, then they must exist in you. So, be confident about them as they are your assets. Try to move forward with them. Becoming a trainer in a school may not provide you with corporate exposure. Therefore, continue being in the corporate world and always be on the lookout for opportunities that may help you achieve your goal.

Warm regards,
Anupriya Bhattacharya

Hi Friend,

I feel this platform is very good in solving the problems one faces and expressing one's feelings about the work we do.

Fatima, I have also gone through such a stage in my career. I was on the verge of quitting the job and sitting at home as I was so frustrated with the routine job. But the hard work I had put in making my company's HR department successful never allowed me to do so. I started taking each day as it came, felt happy when a candidate selected joined on the specified date, when successful interviews were conducted and organized, etc. See Fatima, we can never be fully satisfied with the current job; we just have to adjust ourselves with the job, try to bring innovation to the job, and be happy in small and big things.

I am pasting the article by Dr. Gopalkrishna, Chairman Tata Sons, from which you can get answers to your questions. Let me know your feedback:

Subject: Job Hopping - Interesting article by Dr. Gopalkrishnan, Chairman Tata Sons,

The grass isn't always greener on the other side!! Move from one job to another, but only for the right reasons. It's yet another day at the office. As I logged on to the marketing and advertising sites for the latest updates, as usual, I found the headlines dominated by 'who's moving from one company to another after a short stint', and I wondered, why are so many people leaving one job for another? Is it passé now to work with just one company for a sufficiently long period?

Whenever I ask this question to people who leave a company, the answers I get are: "Oh, I am getting a 200% hike in salary"; "Well, I am jumping three levels in my designation"; "Well, they are going to send me abroad in six months". Then, I look around at all the people who are considered successful today and who have reached the top - be it a media agency, an advertising agency, or a company. I find that most of these people are the ones who have stuck to the company, grounded their heels, and worked their way to the top. And, as I look around for people who changed their jobs constantly, I find they have stagnated at some level, in obscurity!

In this absolutely ruthless, dynamic, and competitive environment, there are still no shortcuts to success or to making money. The only thing that continues to pay, as earlier, is loyalty and hard work. Yes, it pays!

Sometimes immediately, sometimes after a lot of time. But, it does pay. Does this mean that one should stick to an organization and wait for that golden moment? Of course not. After a long stint, there always comes a time for moving in most organizations, but it is important to move for the right reasons, rather than superficial ones, like money, designation, or an overseas trip.

Remember, no company recruits for charity. More often than not, when you are offered an unseemly hike in salary or designation that is disproportionate to what that company offers its current employees, there is always an unseen bait attached. The result? You will, in the long-term, have reached exactly the same levels or maybe lower levels than what you would have in your current company. A lot of people leave an organization because they are "unhappy". What is this so-called unhappiness? I have been working for donkey's years and there has never been a day when I am not unhappy about something in my work environment - boss, rude colleague, fussy clients, etc.

Unhappiness in a workplace, to a large extent, is transient. If you look hard enough, there is always something to be unhappy about. But, more importantly, do I come to work to be "happy" in the truest sense? If I think hard, the answer is "No". Happiness is something you find with family, friends, maybe a close circle of colleagues who have become friends. What you come to work for is to earn, build a reputation, satisfy your ambitions, be appreciated for your work ethics, face challenges, and get the job done. So, the next time you are tempted to move, ask yourself why are you moving and what are you moving into? Some questions are:

* Am I ready and capable of handling the new responsibility? If yes, what could be the possible reasons my current company has not offered me the same responsibility?
* Who are the people who currently handle this responsibility in the current and new company? Am I as good as the best among them?
* As the new job offer has a different profile, why have I not given the current company the option to offer me this profile?
* Why is the new company offering me the job? Do they want me for my skills, or is there an ulterior motive?

An honest answer to these will eventually decide where you go in your career - to the top of the pile in the long term (at the cost of short-term blips) or to become another average employee who gets lost with time in the wilderness?

"DESERVE BEFORE YOU DESIRE" - Dr. Gopalkrishnan, Chairman TATA Sons.

Hello Fatima,

First of all, I agree with the views and suggestions given by Mr. Vijay, Mr. Samvedan, Mr. Sandeep, and all my seniors and friends. Definitely, HR also plays an important role in generating revenue for the company. Yes, sometimes our job is monotonous, but if every day you try to do something different that appeals to you and that you are passionate about, in a unique way or style, then you will definitely love it and give your 100% to your task/job. Also, in the meantime or after your working hours, you can take proper coaching/training in a field/sector (Training) in which you want to build your career.

So, my dear friend, look at your career and HR with a very positive attitude.

All the best.

Regards,
Sachin Soni

Dear Fatima,

There have been two kinds of responses to your posting. The first is to take pride in what you are doing now, try to improve and develop yourself as best you can, and explore all possibilities in your own self-development before doing anything else. Very sensible and thoughtful advice.

The second is that at this moment, despite the excellent qualities you mention, you are too inexperienced in corporate life and too junior in responsibilities and the range of activities to suddenly become a really good trainer. You have to work at and experience the difficulties in life before you can achieve a mature outlook and be able to guide and nurture others.

You also need to know whether you have the aptitude for being an effective trainer - not just the qualities you say you possess. Are you in a position to face the problems that beset you as a trainer - can you handle difficult participants, can you switch tactics to bring the participants back on line, can you effectively interact with participants by using role-plays, problem-solving activities, can you train participants who do not want to be trained, etc.? These are abilities that you can only learn on the job.

What one of the seniors has suggested is to try and interact with training institutes like the Chamber of Commerce, etc., and work on preparing training modules that you can deliver on weekends (while continuing to work with your present employers) and see how successful you are. Every training session will teach you, if you are willing to learn from your mistakes, and will also teach you whether you are going to be a good trainer or not.

So, my advice also is to currently learn about life, about the corporate world, about difficulties and problems that are going to beset you, and then take a more informed decision about what you want to do.

In any case, all the best.

Jeroo

Dear Fathima,

I have read your post and had mixed feelings about you. I am happy that there are such people in the HR fraternity who want to add value, and sad that there are few opportunities.

As you mentioned that your present company treats Training as a cost factor, here are a few suggestions:

1) Do research/survey on the knowledge levels of your employees at various grades and compare them with industry ratings.

2) If they are at par or exceed, that is excellent.

3) If you find a significant gap, present a report to your Business and Functional Heads on the findings.

4) Also, suggest that this gap can be filled by training people, thereby improving performance.

5) If people perform their duties well and do a better job on the deliverables, then results will be seen as "shining and bright."

Then, Training will no longer be a cost factor.

To prove this, you need to do the groundwork and present facts and figures.

Also, express this idea to your boss and get his or her input.

I hope the above suggestions help.

Regards,

Hi Sandeep,

You have articulated your ideas very well. They were quite thought-provoking. Keep motivating others with your ideas and suggestions.

Regards,
V. Deepthi.

Dear Fatima,

Please do not give more value to the comments passed on by others in your company about HR. Be sincere and honest in your profession and every day, try to contribute to the maximum by yourself for the growth of your company.

The decision to shift to your field is left with you. If you are confident in taking up any assignment in T&D, you have to acquire more knowledge and skill. It is my suggestion that you may go for the T&D field after some time.

With regards, L. Kumar

Hi,

Thanks for the compliment, and I hope I would get some of the other members doing the same things. This is a group where we all share issues, ideas, and views. Some may like that, and few may oppose your views, but in neutral grounds, we should understand the problem and help them out with some solutions. I hope you feel the same way and help out the needy.

Bye,
Sandeep
9848123095

Hi,

Go where your heart is! It's the battle between the heart and the mind. I suggest one thing: before you dip into the ocean, try to swim with the fish and frogs, and then dive to conquer the sharks and the whales. Gain experience in what you want to do using others' investment while receiving a decent salary. Then, put your money where your heart is.

Keep going...

Sandeep_sable@rediffmail.com

Dear All,

First and foremost, thank you a ton for your interest. I admire the fact that people have not responded with one or two-liner statements, but have actually taken the time to explain the pros and cons of the possible options. Now, I would like to thank every one of you individually.

First of all,

Dear Ms. Jyoti,

Thank you for your suggestion.

Regards,

Fatima

Hi,

I think you need to take a step back and look at yourself in the mirror you've been watching for years. I am sure you will see a different personality trait of yourself that's called "Demotivation." Just to let you know, there is no job in the world that can satisfy an individual unless they are satisfied with themselves. I am from an operation that becomes monotonous at times, but I never get bored because I keep myself involved in various projects. If not assigned by my boss, I try to convince and present him with a first cut of my ideas, and guess what? It works!

Action points for you:

- Change your views: read motivating articles.
- Hang around with motivated employees of the organization.
- Look at your job from someone else's viewpoint.

Lastly, take a look at the salesman who waits outside your door for hours for you to tell him "NO" in the end, but still, he goes to another door trying his sales pitch. If he were you, he might have been a beggar today! Stay happy with what you have, but keep waiting for better opportunities. Chillax! 😄

Dear Mr. Vijay,

Thank you for your response.

I agree that HR plays a crucial role in an organization, but I disagree with the notion that HR is the revenue generator. There is a distinction between saving earned revenue (through actions like recruiting the right person and retention) and generating revenue in the first place.

Let's address this step by step.

HR handles recruitment, but the final selection lies with the department head. When it comes to screening, HR can only verify the technical skills of a person. However, identifying the right individual with a positive attitude and knowledge requires expertise beyond HR's scope. The majority of HR professionals lack knowledge of other departments, the end product, competitors, or even their own industry. The department head is responsible for assessing knowledge.

Regarding retention, nowadays, many people seek change due to salary issues, which is a decision made by management. Sometimes, an individual may have problems with their superior, impacting their history within the organization. I recall an instance at a prominent group where four employees resigned within five months due to one problematic individual in operations. Interestingly, the HR manager who interviewed me shared this information.

This was a hospitality company with a share value of Rs 340 today, showcasing its significance in the market.

Despite my efforts to change my perspective, I still view HR as a facilitator and mediator between senior management and employees.

Moving on, a startup can function without HR, unlike sales, finance, marketing, or operations departments. In such cases, line managers and department heads handle HR responsibilities.

In large corporations, like a software giant in Bangalore, HR professionals are often disliked by other departments. This company's HR department received an average hike of 25%, while the software department, the true revenue generators, saw an average hike of 19%.

HR may handle numerous CVs and conduct screening rounds but the final decision on hiring rests with the department head. Similarly, HR conducts exit interviews, but the decision to retain an employee is made by the respective department. While HR manages performance appraisals, 90% of the evaluation is based on feedback from the individual's superiors.

It's rare to find HR professionals who can seamlessly transition into finance, sales, or marketing roles. Conversely, individuals from these departments often take on HR tasks such as recruitment, training, payroll, employee relations, MIS management, and performance appraisals.

I acknowledge the importance of HR in ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization, as someone working in HR.

I apologize if any of my statements seemed harsh.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to respond to my email.

Best Regards,

Fatima

Dear Fatima,

Being someone who has faced a situation exactly similar to yours and has also found a way to get out of it, I would like to answer your queries as follows. Please read carefully:

Your query no. 1: Should I join a company that has a dedicated training department? My current company treats training as a cost factor.

Answer: You should definitely join a company that has a training department or a training manager. Good companies always give a lot of importance to training and allocate a good budget for that purpose. Before you attend interviews at different companies, upgrade your training skills. When you inform the interviewers that your area of interest is Training, they will likely ask you, "What have you done in Training?" Simply mentioning competencies like good communication skills and presentability will not suffice. I suggest starting some form of training intervention in your current organization, such as conducting spoken English classes, training on soft skills like presentation skills, selling skills, time management, etiquette, etc. This will enable you to add a section to your resume titled "Training Conducted" or "Initiatives Taken," which will be appreciated by interviewers. Providing training yourself without incurring costs will make it easier to persuade your current employer to support this initiative.

Your query no. 2: Should I join a training consultancy with a good clientele?

Answer: Training consultancies will consider hiring you once you have gained experience in the field. It is advisable to start by joining a reputable organization with a dedicated Training and Development department, gain experience, and then consider moving to a training consultancy.

Your query no. 3: Should I start my own business? This does not seem very feasible, considering my limited knowledge of the field.

Answer: You should have at least 10 years of experience in the field to successfully run your own consultancy.

Your query no. 4: Should I join a school/college as a soft skills trainer?

It's a personal choice, but based on my knowledge, the demand for soft skills trainers in schools or colleges is not as high as in the corporate world.

Your query no. 5: What is the difference between training school kids and corporate?

It's similar to the difference between teaching children and teaching their parents!

I hope my practical replies to your queries are helpful as they are based on my personal experience. I joined an Indian organization a year and a half ago, and today I am part of a Fortune 500 MNC, just by following the steps I have advised you to take!

All the best for your future! 😊

Madhu.

Dear Ms. Madhubanti Chaudhuri,

Thank you very much for your practical, informative, and to-the-point reply. I appreciate the fact that you answered all my queries, and that too very well. Right now, I am in the "decision-making" phase, and these inputs are of great help.

Best Regards,
Fatima

Dear Mr. Sandeep,

Thank you for your appreciation of my presentation and for replying to the post.

At times, what happens is that there is a lot of conflict going on inside an individual, which one is neither able to express, correlate, nor pen down in words. I agree with you that the author has expressed his views. However, I could relate to that and found those lines very appropriate, hence quoted them.

Talking about positive thinking, I have been a positive thinker since the age of 17, after I read Mr. Norman Vincent Peale for the first time. I think positively and that's why I am looking for positive responses and, after that, a positive career.

There is definitely a difference between corporate and academic training, and I am trying to figure that out.

Also, you are correct in saying that it has changed my feelings and not my mind. At times, the mind makes all of us cowardly. My mind is currently telling me that if I leave this decent brand and salary, I'll be affecting my finances, though I am not at peace with my job but at least comfortable from a financial viewpoint. However, my heart tells me that I might not get an equal package right now in training, being a fresher in the field. But surely, if I develop interest and passion for training, then 5 to 6 years down the line, I would be both making money and enjoying my job.

Also, you are right that there is no certainty that I will stick to the field of training. My philosophy of life is a little different. I want to experiment with life and draw my conclusions, rather than making an impulsive decision based on some predefined individualistic view. I started as a software engineer, shifted to HR, and still on my way to finding my goal, which I am sure I will find.

The last thing you suggested, I will surely try to implement - to bring a difference in routine activities.

You have not been harsh or rude at all. I understand your viewpoint and admire your clarity of thought.

Thank you once again.

Best Regards,

Fatima

Hi Sandeep,

I am a corporate trainer, and I have also faced a similar situation like yours.

I left my previous organization and started hunting for a suitable job of my kind. It took me 6 months to get an appropriate job of my interest, and now I am happy.

My advice is to go for your dreams. If you are nurturing a dream to step into Training and Delivery, go ahead. It's not only about money but mental satisfaction and heartfelt happiness for self.

As you said you are in dilemma and you don't know where should you join, then take my words, you need to dig more into your thoughts and dreams.

Can you teach kids? Can you control your temper and be a kid to teach them? If so, would that make you feel that you have achieved your dream?

Secondly, if you join consultancies, you can keep digging into different resources and keep gathering the knowledge. However, remember their investment in you will remain minimal. That's how training firms/consultancies I have come across.

Thirdly, if you join as a corporate trainer, you will face a lot of problems—attitudes clashes, learning styles clashes, and most importantly, what only works are Adult Learning Principles. So, you have to keep that at the top of your head whenever you talk. Once you are able to acquire the trust of the entire organization 😉, you will head towards the next branch of the hierarchy tree 😛.

Dear, if you go for your dreams, you will be happy and will do more and more. Your skills will be polished, and you'll know where you stand is what you thrived for. You don't have to look behind and regret for anything.

The only thing I can say is if you are happy with your job and you are enjoying it, then no one can ever stop you from prospering and being happy and content.

Hi Fatima,

I know of a vacancy for a training position. Do you have any frontline experience of customer service/sales/counseling?

Kushi

Dear Mr. Samvedan,

Your response has been of great help. It's always helpful to take advice from an expert in the field because that person knows the pros and cons of an action pertaining to the matter. That's exactly how it has helped me. You have pointed out some very important limitations that I should work upon and not take a hawkish decision. It's one of the most important and useful suggestions. I would surely need your guidance on my way to this new domain.

Best Regards,
Fatima

Hi,

It's great that you are very concerned about yourself. However, you are the best judge to decide what you want to be. Never ask for others' opinions; the more you ask, the more confused you may get. Have faith and trust in your qualities and make your own decisions.

JAI VARDHAN VERMA
Dy. Manager HR