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When do you decide that it's better to give up chasing a goal/dream that doesn't seem to be materialising?

Kimberley

I'm really struggling lately, career wise.

Over the years I've invested in myself and my own CPD. I graduated with a BA Honours in Business Studies, and really enjoyed the HR Module, which is why I chose to go down the HR Route. After finishing university I found myself unemployed for 8 months. I originally came from a retail management background. I was lucky enough to secure a part time reception job, my aim was to take on this role purely to fund my Level 3 CIPD qualification which I successfully completed last year. Alongside working this part time job, and studying, I secured a HR voluntary placement in a manufacturing company before I then successfully secured a full time Clerical post in a HR team for a local authority. I have been employed here now for almost 2 years, and I have come to a standstill in regards to learning and developing. My managers are fully aware of how I am currently feeling. I have supported HR business partners on he odd occasion through disciplinaries etc as a note taker, but overall I'm feeling really stuck. I cannot seem to secure a HR role due to lack of experience. I have requested to shadow and get involved with others at work, but unfortunately my requests to do so have been unsuccessful. I am contemplating progressing onto the level 5 CIPD course in hope that his may help my current situation, and hopefully make me look more attractive to employers, however, I worry that the problem will still be the same (lack of experience).

I am stuck in a vicious circle and my question is, are there any other people who feel/felt the same?

And how did you get out of the situation before feeling like it's time to give up and look at other options ?

  • Thanks Katharine, I'm sorry that you are in the same situation but at the same time it's almost comforting to know someone actually understands the situation. I won't lie, its been tough, and I've felt really down in the dumps about it lately to the point where I'm even considering looking for another role outside of the HR field. Would I be silly to do this? It's fantastic you have achieved your Level 5, and I'm so sorry to hear that you are in the same situation even with that qualification. I've been incredibly down in the dumps because of this 'stuck in a rut' feeling, and worry I'l feel worse if I do my level 5 and still be up in the same situation. How have you managed at work? have you told your manager how you feel? And what has been their response?
  • Yes Claire you have commented one one of my posts before, (thanks again!). I have done everything in my power to get as much from my position as possible, but I don't get to get involved in anything. I am obviously aware that there are others within the department who have worked there a lot lot longer than I have, and they too wish to get involved and develop so it's not an issue solely for me. Before this role I was volunteering and absolutley loved it, I was able to carry out presentations for inductions, I lead factory tours and got involved in dismissals. I pushed myself to the limit (I always found it difficult standing and presenting) so this was challenging. Sadly I haven't felt challenged for a long time, and without that feeling, I know I'm not growing. I know that the team in on has high staff turnover, and whilst the fixed term contract is a contributing factor, I think the likelihood is that people wanted to move on to something better maybe.
  • in reply to Kimberley
    Yes I feel the same, it's nice to know it's not just me. I told her how I felt after completing my Level 5 and she was very understanding but there is not much she can do as there are no job roles at advisor level. There is no way I can do the Level 7 until I get proper advisory experience so I felt I was stuck. My manager has been really helpful since then, involving me in a lot of things and also creates a case study for me to respond to every couple of weeks. She hopes that by developing me this way I will be more than ready for an advisor role when it comes. It sounds like you are more than qualified/experienced for an HR Admin/Assistant post though! Have you thought about mentoring, or finding someone that can help you develop more? Constantly learning new things always keeps my mind busy and keeps me motivated because it is a job I want to do well in the future. What do you think?
  • in reply to Kimberley
    I've been in HR around 20 years now and even then it was difficult to get into HR and even more so now. I managed to build my way up gradually via Personnel Clerk, Personnel Assistant (shows how long ago!), HR Assistant, Senior HR Assistant, HR Advisor. Not a very common role but I found the Senior HR Assistant a really good step to gain more experience of casework etc.
  • I'm glad that although your manager cannot change the situation, that they are at least helping you get prepared for the next step up, that's really positive.. sadly it's not the same for me, as much as I've explained how I feel, very little has happened. I obviously appreciate that I am paid to do the job I'm in, but it would be so valuable for me to get involved in some HR activities. I spoke to a senior member of staff in HR who has excelled really well in her career, and I explained that it's not necessarily having to 'get involved' as such as I appreciate some things do need to be dealt with by experienced employees, but that even the opportunity to observe would be incredibly valuable to me. For example, when I was asked to be a note taker in the past, I couldn't help but wonder weeks later how the case ended, what the outcome was and how the outcome was made, but sadly I had no involvement at all in that part, but that would have been beneficial to see the be the next stage of an appeal hearing. I have thought about finding someone to help me but this would have to be someone in another organisation first of all, and secondly I'd have to try and find the time as I work Monday-Friday full time. I have even considered asking to reduce my working days and use the extra time to study and find a placement somewhere again. I agree with you about learning, I think the reason I feel so deflated at the moment is because I've stopped working on me. If I was to study the Level 5 I think I would begin to feel more motivated again.
  • or if L&D is more your thing www.royalnavy.mod.uk/.../training-management-officer Either of these are options that you may wish to explore7
  • Thank you. Sadly I think my only option is to consider other opportunities outside of hr. I dont have enough experience for majority of hr roles, and as ive said above, sadly I cannot get this at my current workplace. The situation of being ' stuck' is taking it's toll on me and causing me a lot of upset and the constant feeling of being a failure is sadly affecting me too much to keep on trying. As a result I have to try something else. I really do appreciate you commenting.