Feeling Stuck in a Frustrating HR Role: How Do I Tell My Bosses It's Time to Move On?

Hello members,

Every time you people have helped me to overcome every hurdle that comes in my way. I hope this time also all of you show me the right way to move on.

See friends, I am employed as the HR Manager at a Maruti Dealership in my hometown. The owners of this dealership are closely known to me. I have been in this job for the last 4 months. My bosses are so money-minded and unaware about HR Management.

They just know that having an HR at their dealership is a compulsion. The person has nothing to do except interacting with Maruti officials, and they want me to maintain that everything is going according to Maruti norms. But nothing of this sort is happening here. If I want to make improvements and act according to HR needs, then they stop me from doing anything. They just want me to be content with my designation, my cabin, and even my salary, which is not according to the norms. I am getting much less than the actual pay scale.

They never give me a chance to prove myself and do my job as required. I feel frustrated with this situation. I want to quit from here.

But I don't understand how I should talk to them and make them understand. I feel I am just wasting my time being here. Please, members, let me know the right way of quitting from here.

Jyoti Sharma

Hi Dear,

If you yourself are not happy with the job you are doing, I don't understand why you are sticking to this job. First and foremost, you are not learning anything here, and secondly, these people are not allowing you to exercise your job duties as a manager. According to me, you should start looking for a new job and then leave this job ASAP; otherwise, this job will be like a black mark on your career.

Thanks & All the Best!!!!
Nisha

I agree with Nisha. Try convincing your bosses but start looking for an alternative from now.

Hi,

According to me, what Nisha said is correct. If you are not satisfied with the job, leave it. But before leaving, I think you have to email Maruti informing them of the condition of this dealer so that the next person will be happy. By doing so, you can also benefit. Think about this once.

If I said anything wrong, please correct me.

Regards,
Archana

My Dear Sharma,

I appreciate that you have put forward the situation you are facing at your workplace, and you have been truthful about that. Look, I know that the job you are doing at your acquaintance's place is good to the extent that you are in your hometown. I understand that people often become less interested when they get a job in their hometown.

The same thing happened to you. When they offered you the job, you accepted it with the same pay scale, same location, and were happy to be at your place. Then, all of a sudden, you had a change of heart, feeling that they are not giving you the freedom to work.

It's up to you. If you don't have any qualms about making a change, then try to find a new job where you feel content. I have friends who have family businesses that generate huge profits every month, yet they still choose to work elsewhere where they find happiness.

I would suggest that you not work in a place where you lack job satisfaction.

Goodbye,
Sandeep
9848123095

Hello members,

Every time you people have helped me to overcome every hurdle that comes in my way. I hope this time also all of you show me the right way to move on.

See friends, I am employed as the HR Manager at a Maruti Dealership in my hometown. The owners of this dealership are closely known to me. I have been in this job for the past 4 months. My bosses are very money-minded and unaware about HR management. They just know that having an HR in their dealership is a compulsion. The person has nothing to do except interacting with Maruti officials, and they want me to maintain the facade that everything is going according to Maruti norms. However, nothing of this sort is happening here. Whenever I try to improve things and act according to HR needs, they stop me from doing anything. They just want me to be content with my designation, my cabin, and even my salary, which is below the norms. I am getting much less than the actual pay scale. They never give me a chance to prove myself and do my job properly. I feel frustrated with this situation, and I want to quit.

But I don't understand how I should talk to them and make them understand. I feel like I am just wasting my time being here. Please, members, let me know the right way to resign from here.

Jyoti Sharma

You should do the job that you enjoy and love. If you do not love the job that you are doing, "change it." However, as you mentioned that the owners are closely related to you, be aware that you might not get a similar designation or package once you leave that company. In the corporate world, a person is expected to have a certain amount of experience before being given a particular position.

Dear Jyoti,

Appreciating your patience to stick with your present employer. Having knowledge and qualifications, why are you hesitating to discuss with your bosses? If they are not listening to your views and considering any improvements regarding salary and implementing new ideas, it is the right time to tender your resignation without hesitation.

With regards,
L. Kumar

(If you have any personal obligations with the bosses, then that is ultimately a different issue.)

LK

Hi,

I personally agree with L. Kumar. Anyway, you are not interested in sticking there as your role as an HR is not working. But before resigning, you should have a chit-chat with them. Maybe if you are able to convince them of what you are planning and how you want to deploy it, the situation can change! If you are not opening your views, maybe after resigning when your post is replaced, the same can happen to the new person too.

So, better communicate first than thinking of resigning... after all, we are in HR; right? Best wishes

Hi,

Good morning. As far as your job is concerned, the foremost thing you need to ensure is that you are satisfied, and nothing else. Everything else can attract you for the time being, but at the end of the day, if you recap your day or think of it, you will get frustrated. So, I would suggest looking for an option while you are there, and once you get a proper opportunity with more reasons to get away from your frustration, leave the present one.

Regards,
Raul

Hi Jyothi,

Don't waste your valuable time and career. Just skip the job immediately. I feel that you need a job that should be in your hometown, due to some reasons. You may be fearing about the availability of any other job in your town, but one thing I can say is... just start trying.

Regards,
VR Kadam

Dear Mr. Sharma,

I am not that much of an expert in HR, but I can tell you one thing: if you quit your present job, won't you feel that you have failed in your foremost HR function?

We, as HR professionals, know what can be done to make the workplace a better one. But we can't expect other people to understand the same. It's up to us to make them realize how an HR department can be a value creator.

HR is not just about learning things, yaar. Its core responsibility is to make other people learn and excel in their careers.

Try to speak with your management team. Make them realize the importance of HR.

- Use case studies of various organizations. A department called HR is famous now only. If you look in the 1970s or beyond, in many organizations, there was no HR department at all. Now we even have separate forums called 'citehr' and many others, especially for HR. How come such a huge growth was possible? Because of HR professionals who really thought that they can make a difference. And because of them, we are now proudly saying that we are HR Executives or HR Managers, whatever may be.

- Conduct classes with them.

- Conduct informal meetings, one-on-ones. Interact with the employees and explain to them about various HR or statutory needs that may help them. Tell me, how many of your employees know about the % contribution for PF or ESI from employees and employers?

It's all in your hands, yaar. You can't expect to move a train with just a push. Keep trying; one day you will win, like our senior HR professionals did. If you have a passion for HR, let that passion reach your management as well. Let them feel the same.

Change is the only constant factor in this ever-changing world.

To improve their present level, they have to change. Let you be the change catalyst.

Regards,

Vasanth

99401 58323

Dear Jyoti,

Having been with a Maruti dealership, I can empathize with you. Those who have not been with such an enterprise may not really be in a position to appreciate the environment. This is true of almost all dealerships barring a couple of them in the South.

But you must remember that the initiatives being insisted upon by Maruti are amongst the best. Simple things, cost-effective, and very good. So, even if your employers do not follow what MUL has asked for, you have learned aspects that can be implemented, maybe not now but later when you get a chance.

Believe me, Jyoti, frustrations in life are plenty. Even big companies sometimes drive you up a wall. But here you get a chance to understand what needs to be done since MUL keeps chasing the dealerships. Handling incentive plans, having fun at work, training programs, BSC, etc., are all good learnings. Do you have a whiteboard with the name of the employee whose birthday it is? Costs nothing but you can do this. Talk to the salespeople and get an idea from them as to what their incentive plan should be. DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYTHING. Just get an idea. Then compare it with the one MUL has sent. Now analyze what can be done to improve if at all it requires to be so done.

Carry out an analysis of recruitments, separations, and absentees. Explain the cost of recruitment for the loss of one salesperson. This should open their eyes somewhat. It will take still more time for them to actually realize the loss by not utilizing their human capital efficiently.

My suggestion is that you can gain knowledge from here and then resign with dignity and in a professional manner. You have been here for only four months. Try and complete at least one year and then leave.

All the best,

Ajay Chaudhari

Dear JS,

Bygones are bygones. Start afresh. Be a mentor to yourself. See if you can really continue with the challenge of transformation, then go ahead. But if you feel you are wasting your time, please start searching for a new job. However, at your level, changing jobs frequently won't add much value. Take this as a future learning experience.

Since the person was known to you, ideally, you should have visited the company frequently to get a feel of the place and working environment before joining.

I agree with Ajay that "Even big companies sometimes drive you up a wall." It is not easy to break the ice. It's not their fault either, as it is all because of their current organizational practices and values. If one aims to bring about change, they have to strive hard.

Anthony

True, if you are not interested in doing the job, you are not happy with your present employment or employer, you should immediately start looking for another good job and quit as soon as possible. As you already have a position as an HR Manager and other valuable experience, you tend to stand a better chance in the market. But remember, never stick to a place where you are not happy; it will act like slow poisoning.

It happened to me, not just for 4 months but for a full year, due to some reasons I could not quit, and I was completely lost. But thank goodness, everything is fine for me now. So, cheers and best of luck to you for a better job. :)

Hi,

Always do the work that gives satisfaction. I may not suggest you leave the job immediately, but your coworkers are still not aware of what HR means. Be clear to them about the HR role and the importance of HR to the company. If they are still not willing, quit the job. Your first step as a successful HR should be to make them understand your role and importance.

Hi Jyoti,

I agree with other members. If you are not satisfied with your current job, you should not continue there; look for better opportunities.

Regards

Hi,

In this situation, I suggest that you first tell your boss that you are going to resign from your job. When you tell this, obviously their first question will be, 'why do you want to leave the job?' Then it will be the best opportunity for you to tell them upfront what is happening and what your plans are. Have an open discussion. If you have assurance that they are going to support you, then you can stick around. But if you think their mindset has not changed, then I think you have many other better options available in the market.

If a person has to grow, their ideas have to be appreciated and put into practice. However, I think there is no point in working in a job where there is no growth. If you continue in this way, thinking that they are close, etc., then this will rather hinder your career growth, and your skills will deteriorate.

This is my suggestion. But friends, I am open to correction, so please suggest in case I am wrong.

Hi, Jyoti

I personally feel that if you are not happy, please leave. Your creativity will be killed in places like this. You are qualified, so please start looking for a good job.

All the very best,
Parvathy

Hi Jyothi,

I have gone through the discussion thread, but my advice to you will be different from most of the posts on this topic. I feel that switching over to a new company is no big deal; you can always do that. However, I suggest taking this as a challenge and trying to bring a difference in the work culture by introducing employee welfare schemes and enforcing positive changes in the workplace. If you want more details, please feel free to drop an email at [Login to view]. Take this up as a challenge, "prove your management wrong," and make them realize "the value of HR." Show them that you are worth the salary being paid to you.

My advice to you is to "try it once"; if it doesn't work, you always have the option of changing the job.

I hope this makes sense to you. Keep posting.

Thanks and Regards,
Indrani Chakraborty

1. Think and decide what you wish to be in 5 years and then in 10 years' time.
2. Introspect and visualize how you intend to get there.
3. Does your current work environment and opportunity match your intended journey?
4. If yes, stick around and explore ways to improve the situation. Change when you believe you have achieved what you had in mind for this situation.
5. If not, start preparing for and make the change.
6. In both eventualities, thank your current employers for the opportunity they provided. Explain your plan, your vision, and why you believe moving to another environment would help you progress.

Hi,

This is Jyotindra Parmar, AVP with one of the leading financial services providers in India. Maybe I can advise you to quit from the current job if you are mobile enough. But before making that decision, you should ensure the following:

1) Whether you will get a better job in the same city. Maybe I could have elaborated better if I had known the city. Anyhow.

2) If you are mobile enough, the sky is the limit, and there are a host of better opportunities...!!

3) There are many other personal/social factors that affect the decision, which should be your personal call. If it is okay with you, you should quit without a second thought.

I am suggesting this because I worked with a Bajaj Auto-affiliated company, and I have seen a large number of such automobile dealerships, their workings, environment, etc.

Quitting will be a better option.

Regards,
Jyotindra Parmar

Hello,

I do not agree with Nisha at all. Let me first ask you the following questions:

1. Did you know the attitude of the employers before joining?

If yes, then why did you join?

If no, then why did you not find out? As a person who is in the field of HR, I believe you should be able to find and judge the job/employers which are right for you. If it was anybody other than an HR Dept. person asking your question, I would've understood his/her ignorance of how to find the right job and how to evaluate your options.

2. As an HR person, do you think that you are the best person to change the mindset of your employers towards the field of HR? Or are you thinking of taking the easy way out of simply giving up and quitting. Things will definitely be easier for you that way, but think of the scenario and the pride you can gain by attempting to change their attitude and benefiting not only yourself, but for the whole lot of employees working in that organization. I'm sure that you have joined the field of HR because you genuinely care for the betterment of people/professionals. If that is the reason you are in HR then I would say that you need to stay and fight. Fight till your self-esteem allows you and even then if you think that it's not going to make any difference you may think of leaving.

3. Where would you get greater job satisfaction? Is it in an excellent company, with set practices and procedures, where HR is hyped, respected and been existent forever. Or is it in a company of whom you could write on the blog again and say...A few months back my employers did not believe in HR Management, but today "I" am proud to tell you that I have shown them how it is vital for a company to manage their human resources the way I am doing it. The journey was great; I made a difference in all those employees' lives... I have made a turnaround in this company's HR Dept.

The second case is what I call true job satisfaction. Of course then, I would not even hesitate to ask for the rightful salary that I deserve, because then they will also understand the value that I have added to their organization.

So I hope you make the decision which YOU think is appropriate because you have to live with your decision. Just make sure that you fight for what you are passionate about and you will go places.

All the best.

Neha Rawte

HR Manager

IN-FINITE SOLUTIONS

www.infinitesolutionsindia.com

Dear Jyoti,

I can understand that you are in a fix. This job is not adding any value to your career, not giving you any satisfaction, but at the same time it's difficult to quit because you have worked here for just 4 months.

You have asked for suggestions on "the right way of quitting". I would suggest you do the following, step by step. The email is a bit long, but read each step carefully; it will help you:

1) Somehow make up your mind to stick to this job for another 2 months. Please remember that once you want to leave a company before completing 6 months, you may be considered a 'job hopper' by new recruits. But be determined to quit after 2 to a maximum of 3 months and make preparations accordingly.

2) Please don't try to convince your current company on 'the correct way to do HR job' because they won't listen. They will continue to be the current "money-minded" type that they are because it's the culture of an organization that determines its people's attitude. It cannot be changed by one single person. Instead, try to go with the flow, do only whatever they ask you to do, and do that with a smile on your face. You will anyway leave the company after 2-3 months, so no point in bittering your relationship with them and also frustrating yourself in the process. Maintain a good relationship with them.

3) Since your job is not adding any value to your HR skills, do as much as possible on your own because when you appear for a new interview, a common question asked will be "what all areas of HR have you covered in your current organization?" Then you cannot say "they did not let me do anything worthwhile in HR". Instead, you can say, "Though my current profile did not let me add much value, I have done the following on my own because I am passionate about HR." You can do the following things to add value to your resume: search the net and read as many good HR articles/research papers as you can, visit any good bookstore and find out good HR books, pick up one that appeals to you and start reading (if possible, read the book Labour Law by PL Malik), be an active member in online HR communities.

4) Do the above-mentioned activities and add them to your resume. By the end of next month, put your resume on a good website. Then, while attending interviews, mention that your current job is not adding value to your career but you still stuck to it for 6 months because you wanted to wait and watch and do as much as possible and not leave in a hurry. This will create a good impression on your new interviewers because they will judge you as a "fighter". Also mention the things you have done on your own to improve your HR knowledge.

5) Please ASK about your JOB PROFILE clearly in your new interviews and ALSO NEGOTIATE your SALARY properly so that you do not repent later.

I have provided the suggestions as practically as possible; hope you find them useful.

Regards,

Madhu.

A big thanks to all members for your suggestions. I am really going through a miserable situation. Thanks to all of you for helping me out of this confusion.

Regards,
Jyoti Sharma

Hello again,

I do hope you do what is best for you, but let me share my view on one thing:

"No matter how many HRM, labor law, OB, etc. books/articles you read, what HR Management really means is dealing with "people", so avoiding a problem with people instead of solving it and going back to books to portray your proficiency in HRM is not going to help."

Books are a guideline, but practice is what HRM is all about. If a book could provide you with answers regarding people management, you wouldn't be asking your question to "people" on this site; instead, you would be consulting our HRM, OB, labor law books.

Best of luck.

Neha Rawte
HR Manager
IN-FINITE SOLUTIONS
www.infinitesolutionsindia.com