Should I Switch from HR to Admin for a 40% Salary Hike, or Wait for an HR Role?

Hi all,

I am working in a small manufacturing concern in the human resource department. My CTC is about 1.0 lakh per annum. I am an MBA in HR, and my total years of experience are about 2 years.

Now, I have received an offer from a company called i-process. This company manages the records of individuals working for ICICI Bank on an outsourced basis. The salary increase is about 40% of what I am currently earning, and the work location will be local.

However, the dilemma I am facing is that the offer is for the Administration Department, where I would be handling all administrative functions, rather than the HR Department where I currently work dealing with human resource functions.

Some of my colleagues have advised me against taking the new job as HR and Administration are distinct fields. They mentioned that once I join the Administration Department, it may be challenging to switch back to the HR Department. Additionally, in future interviews, I would need to explain the transition from HR to Admin and back to HR.

I am eager to leave my current job, but I am committed to staying in the HR field.

What should I do? Should I accept the Admin role at the new company (i-process), or should I wait for an opportunity in HR?

Please advise me as I need to respond to someone within 5 days.

Thank you,
Anuj

Hi Anuj,

First of all, please let me know whether during the interview you informed them about your preferences regarding working in HR, or did you say you were ready for any job role. It is very important to state which job role and department you would want to work in. Also, what exactly would be your job role? Would it involve handling HR administrative functions or administrative functions as a whole?

I suggest you seek clarification about your job role and then make a decision.

Faye

Hi,

You may switch from HR to Admin. You have 2 years of experience, and if you gain experience in administration for a few years, it is positive to transition to HR and Admin, which is better than just HR or Admin. Now, it's your choice. Consider and make your decision.

Regards,
Sidheshwar

Note: The administrative role is different from the HR role.

Hi Faye,

The job profile will be only "Admin functions". During the interview, they told me that you will be handling Admin plus some functions of HR, but now they have given me only "Admin functions."

Now what should I do, Sir? If I join the Admin department, will I lose my HR field? Please suggest.

Anuj

Yes, you will forget all HR functions, but what's wrong? It depends upon the person. If you are able to convince the management after joining to handle HR, results are key.

Hi Fayeg & Sidhu,

Thanks for your kind suggestion. After much thought, I have decided that I will not join the new company in the Admin Department as it will be difficult for me to transition back to the field of HR. I hope I have made the right decision.

Thanks again for your guidance. Please stay in touch.

Anuj

Hi Anuj,

If you want to settle in HR and you have good job satisfaction (forget about the salary part), I suggest you stay in HR because your aim is to settle in HR. Keep trying to get another good HR job. You should not be in a dilemma with 2 years of experience in HR. By this time, I am sure you are very well aware of the functions of HR and Administration.

With best wishes, Manjunath

Dear Archna,

I would advise you not to join in Admin. If you are eager to shift, consider joining a company where the HR department is robust. Do not rush into a decision.

Having conducted numerous interviews and being a member of the selection committee, I always lean towards hiring an HR professional over an admin person.

Take your time to make a decision. Evaluate all the pros and cons carefully before making your choice.

Cheers and stay cool! 😉

Archna