Readers Respond: When Is Leaving Human Resource Management the Answer?

Every Human Resource Management career has its ups and downs. As long as the ups outnumber the downs, most people are happy in their Human Resource Management career. In fact, they can look at life in Human Resource Management with some humor: You know you're in HR when... Sometimes, though, something changes. Whether it’s your sense of humor, your interest and commitment, your organization, your life choices, or your career progress, you may reach a point where you want to leave Human Resource Management. What would make you consider leaving Human Resource Management?

More reader responses.

Leaving H.R.

I was able to retire from my career in H.R., the timing however was perfect. The changes that were going on with my employer were imminent and timely, for someone close to retirement. Communication and and the results to the staff seemed devious at the most but were poorly communicated at the least. It became difficult to support management, and be positive at the same time, as many of my H.R. colleagues themselves were blindsided with lay off letters. The stress of the decisons made by the organization was taking its toll. What was once a proud job for me was no longer. And I wasn't alone as many of my colleagues left for other careers, or like myself - retirement.

—Guest Barb

When you feel caught up between rocks

The most challenging moments in HR practice occur when standing in between managerial and staff conflicts especially in companies owned by families who have no limits in interfering with managerial issues. The solution here is to opt out of the company immediately. I strongly think quiting HR practice is not a solution.

—Guest Racheal

Within 3 Years

The beginners in HR (service up to first 3 years) are the right personnel to switch over the functional department. After that switching, the functional department is really difficult for them, because switching from HR to other functional department is really difficult. Up to 3 years of beginning there is a scope for HR personnel to find suitable one if they do not feel HR more. HR is such a functional department where someone switched from other functional department can do something at least anytime. But HR personnel cannot do anything well in other functional department after some years passed in HR since HR is almost behaviorally based profession unlike finance, account and marketing. So, I believe that ‘3 years from beginning’ is the best time to switchover HR job if required.

—Guest M. Jahangir Alam

Heinous Dealing of Bangladeshi Employer

In my country, HR jobs' selling price is also too low and I like reference Nan86. My country industrialist never feels hesitation to avoid all policy. Only a few companies use their policy to ensure employer and employee rights. They just ensure their profit. If you can survey our country work situation in office, factory, distribution point is measurable extremely. Most of the people work minimum 12 Hours in a day and get only 8 Hours benefits, sometimes have to duty on holiday without pay. Heinous matter is they never provide any appointment letter to work because the employee can demand leave, bonus, gratuity, PF, Lunch, transport, accommodation bill, etc. -Abul Hasan

—Guest Abul Hasan

Up the career ladder?

Come and Go is absolutely right. I can't understand why, when all companies are apparently running on empty and hiring people is apparently so expensive, why HR goes through so many hoops, so many rounds of interviews, sees so many applicants, even for the jobs they reckon the whole world is over-qualified for? Also, who is more likely to move on soon - the so-called over-qualified person, or the ambitious 25 year old?

—Guest Maggie

Wake Up!

It's different now that I'm on the opposite side of the table where I'm the applicant. I highly respect our profession and expect more from our counterparts. I've been to many interviews and mostly with HR executives, but to my dismay, they don't know the basics of interviewing or simply don't give importance to what they do. I think when an HR professional gets to be that complaisant or ignorant, it's time to change careers. Wake up because other HR professionals know what you don't know.

—Guest Dismayed HR Applicant

Try Another Time

I worked for a very prestigious company for over 24 years as an HR Director. This company, due to management changes over the years, lost its ability to treat employees with dignity and respect and the leadership also failed to recognize HR as a strategic partner. I was frustrated and contemplated leaving the profession. But I did not leave the field, rather I changed employers. It was like a breath of fresh air. My drive and passion are back, and my staff and I are full partners with leadership. My advice is to try a change rather than leave the profession. You may find it is exactly what you need. Good HR professionals are hard to find, so don't be too quick to leave. You may find that in another place, you are valued and appreciated.

—Guest HR A

Common sense never happened

When you develop a sense of common sense then it shows you are no longer fit to partake in HR functions!

—Guest Larry Welder

Why Quit HR

I have worked in HR for 20 years, not as a manager or a supervisor, I know all the aspects of HR. I'm now the sole person in HR and I love it, but I find myself stressed at times because of so many responsibilities and low pay. I'm just waiting for a raise to see if they appreciate all that I'm doing for the Company. I love your newsletter, it really helps. (Thank you.)

—Nan86

Still Kicking after Almost 30 Years

I think to myself that these complaints are all of the reasons that I got into HR - to make a difference. We all have had bad bosses, what can we do to make them better? If it is bad at your company, maybe HR in a new company would be better. Leaving or staying in the HR field is a personal choice that each of us must make. I love the diversity of directing a midsize company's HR department. With payroll, benefits, employee relations, recruiting, training, etc..., never a dull moment. I look at each setback as a new challenge I want to resolve and always tackle head on. Some may not respect HR or even have an appreciation for what we do; those people are my personal challenge. I believe that I will prevail in enough challenges to continue making my career choice worthwhile. When there are more days on which I would rather be anywhere but HR, I may re-think. But when there are daysthat I go home with a warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing that you made a difference today. Yeah, I am staying for a while… (Bravo!!! says Susan.)

—Guest Don't want to leave -Atlanta

Its time to leave HR when......

You have been in the field for over 30 years and your current employer does not treat you as someone knowledgeable, policies are followed for some and not others, your advice against hiring or promoting someone is ignored and when problems develop later, it's your fault, when it isn't fun anymore and you get up each morning thinking "another day in paradise" and your heart is not in the job.

—Guest Sandy

When You Do Not Know Your Passion!

I thought that I had a passion for people and I still think I do, but I started to specialize in Labour relations after studying law. Initially I had much difficulty in laying people off and dismissing, but these days it is second nature and many times I feel or show no emotion for that party. This is a problem, because you become a monster and unpopular and experience no job satisfaction. I must leave HR asap, but I am not sure what career path to pursue:-(

—Guest Confused and unhappy...

Leaving Human Resources Management

Thanks, Susan Heathfield, my reasons which can lead me to leave HR, are the employee's rude voices, corruption among employees and delivering wrong information.

—Guest kabagarama Mary

When You Are Being Hindered

It may be time to leave HR when you are being hindered from doing your work, recruitment is partial (it's through the back door), the organization applies policy with some employees and ignores it when it comes to others. Then, there is no fulfillment practising the profession.

—Guest Lola

When Management Confidence Is Lost

I strongly believe that top management of most organizations does not yet sufficiently appreciate the enormity and complexities of HR responsibilities and contributions. For one to continue with an HR career, one requires supportive dispositions of top management and recognition and appreciation. Any time this is lacking, one should say bye to the career and look for something else.

—Guest Johnny C. O