Is there life after HR?

[Argo]

Hi Everyone,

I am a long time reader and first time poster - great forum.

After some 12 or so years working in consulting and generalist roles I think I have reached the end of my HR career. It has taken over a year of reflection to reach this point I guess, but the bottom line is that I simply don't enjoy it anymore.

My question for this forum relates to careers after HR. I personally feel that the business and people related skills you develop within HR are invaluable and extremely transferable, however I am a little lost with regards to my next career move. Has anyone had this experience or know of someone who has made a successful transition out of HR into another discipline?

Many thanks

[Moz]

Argo,

If you haven't done so already you should identify what you no longer like about HR and make sure you don't jump from the frying pan into the fire, so to speak.

Of course it goes without saying that you should work out what you do like doing and how much you want or need to earn.

There are a couple of obvious options that come to mind - Recruitment (agency/commercial), or Career Counselling (often self employed).

I have seen plenty of HR people go into these, but that's not to say there aren't other careers that HR people commonly transition to and I am sure there are other less obvious career options.

It's pretty easy to get a job in recruitment, but the initial challenge is finding a good company to work for who are not a "churn and burn" outfit and are going to invest in training you properly. Ultimately your success in the eyes of an agency will be how much you generate in recruitment fees and it is important to understand the employers expectations. It can be a rewarding career, both financially and from a personal aspect, but it's often a bit of a roller coaster ride from an emotional perspective, and it's definitely not recession proof!

I don't know enough about Career Counselling but hopefully other readers can provide some insight.

Both of these careers will include a sales or "business development" component so you would need to be sure that you are comfortable with that.

Are you sure it's HR you no longer enjoy, or is it the types of organisations you have worked in?

[Argo]

Thanks for your post Moz.

I have done so much reflection over the last 18 months trying to answer some of the questions you have identified. The bottom line is that I am not really sure if it is HR itself, the organisation/s or in fact, the corporate world altogether.

There are aspects that I do enjoy from time to time but there is still this overwhelming need for a change - any change! Notwithstanding the fire place into the fire risk, I think I at least need to consider another HR related role at this stage whilst perhaps making some longer term plans.

I actually cut my teeth in recruitment so am very familiar with that world, and funnily enough, it is a direction I would consider again. Havent really thought too much about outplacement or career counselling but it is definitely worth some further reseach.

[PsychWorks]

Argo,

I've worked for a large Outplacement firm heading up the Career Transition service delivery area. I hired a number of contractors to deliver a range of job search related training programs both one on one and in groups. It may be worth having a think about whether this type of work suits you by speaking to those in the industry. There are full time roles available from time to time (scarce) in this area as well as contracting (more so). Also, you could consider the business development side of this industry. I suspect your background would be relatively well suited to either side (delivery or development) in many ways and I know a number of former HR consultants that have come in on this type of work with considerable success - (they usually have a good handle on HR issues and are seen as credible to the client base). The development role is very much "corporate" ie sales targets etc but the delivery is a step removed from this front line and more dealing with both the practicalities of those in transition as well as the more psychological aspects. Talk to lots of people to gain left field ideas and inspiration - you might also subscribe to psychxchange which have a number of Human Services related jobs advertised.

Regards
Chris

[ann217]

Hi

I was in HR for 7 years. I have gone to a completely different role in a field that is not technically similar to HR. My networking skills, communication skills, ability to get things done and deliver is what has allowed me to work in this new role.

HR people aren't that good at selling themselves but they should be. HR can give you lots of excellent skills and knowledge.

Believe in yourself

[Mynah]

Dear Argo,

Have you considered teaching / lecturing? It might not be your next career, but it may be an opportunity for you to earn (while you are considering, "what next") and pass on your knowledge, experience and skills to the next HR generation!

good luck!

[Just a Dude]

I agree with the above "posters" and I am still relatively new to the industry. I have over 4 years experience in recruitment and 2 years in HR. I have wondered what would eventuate in the longer term if I never really jumped on that corporate ladder and made a go of it.

Looking at your initial question, and i know its a little late now, but if your still listening and considering your options, you should evaluate your situation which you said you have done, and look at what you want to do (im repeating yes). This is where i will slightly deviate from the rest of the guys above, and suggest that you try HR in a new industry. You mentioned that your tired of the corporate world, now im assuming that you mean the white collar/office world - hey we have all worked in those environments, and see in our roles the toll they take on people's lives, into the blue collar field. I am currently working in HR in the blue collar sector and its a change. Like any role, you need variety, so I would ask that you consider this. Its not too dissimilar to what you are currently doing, but with the different type of people/industry that you will be working in, it may just re-energise your spirits and allow you to apply yourself.

When I was working in recruitment the days were dragging on towards the end of those days, and I knew within myself that I no longer liked the role, but with the move into HR I have extended my learning and also brought skills/advise to my employer that they previously didnt have.

And I wholeheardtly agree with Ann217 in that HR professionals (some if not most) have a hard time selling themselves. Our industry doesnt show direct or tangible outcomes and more importantly profits to the business's bottom line, and even with myself I can find it hard to quantify my contributions to a prospective employer.

[People Person]

Hello Argo,
I know you posted this a while ago.
I just wanted to let you know that I feel exactly the same as you do and have pretty much worked from contract to contract so that I'm not "trapped."
Have you had any luck in re-directing your career given the lapse of time since your post? I have applied for non-HR roles on seek.com.au but, find that I don't get anywhere (given that I have done other things from time to time). I don't dislike HR work altogether but I find after 15 years, I feel a need to reinvent myself and create a new, professional identity. Like you, I've done the recruitment thing as well... Surely there are other options for seasoned HR generalists that we are missing out on?

Anyway - good luck and let me know how you went.

Larisa.

[Qld IR Consultant]

Step up to IR....Its a whole different world

[People Person]

Thanks for the advice on IR. I appreciate IR is another world but, it holds zero interest for me. I'm also being pigeon-holed into the same HR Generalist positions so even if I wanted to specialise in HR, I would be culled out.