I have been in HR for over 15 years.

7 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 2:35PM UTC

   Start with figuring out what you want to do. What you don't want to do. What is causing the burn out? We can't really tell you want to target if you really don't know yourself.

2. AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 4:33PM UTC

   I’m in the same boat as you with 10 years experience and it seems HR and I have had not such a smooth career. So, as HR can also wear many hats, I would suggest starting to look at your skills you have as you would be starting from experience not just from scratch.

   I decided on taking a payroll certification- it’s a start to side step HR into a lower position. Not sure entirely that’s where I want to be, but it’s a start with a skill set I have. I could’ve also looked at project management, marketing, recruitment, organization change management, my own consulting freelance style or outside HR - like a hygienist! (Then realized due to my own life situation, (burnout, cost of program) meant starting small for me so hygienist was put on hold) and payroll certification was cheaper, and achievable - and now I’m on track to feeling unstuck and moving forward/feeling better.

   And yes no one will hire management for other positions, I have been there too and I truthfully believe you have to cut out HR and just showcase only the skills needed for the job - it’s the hiring bias so many have against higher level positions and then there’s why would you want to work for a company that doesn’t see the value you can bring to them with your skills !

3. AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 5:13PM UTC

   Small businesses need help in managing their employees and HR, heck, some don't even have an HR department and make things up as they go along. Attend a local chamber of commerce or other networking meeting and you'll see what I mean. The only place I found an HR company dedicated to me, the small biz owner was in Tampa. Think about starting your own thing.

4. AnonymousOctober 15,2023 at 1:26PM UTC

   I have to second this. I wish I could find an hr consultant near me. I’ve been using our employment lawyer for questions I can’t work out on my own. Small companies need help and don’t know what they don’t know.

5. AnonymousOctober 14,2023 at 5:45PM UTC

   Yes, take a sabbatical. Find your purpose! Being in HR especially if/when you get to deal with a lot of conflict is draining....serve yourself for a while and get training for other things like PMP or Project Management which might be a good sideways role. Good luck.

6. AnonymousOctober 16,2023 at 3:14PM UTC

   Is there a function of HR that you enjoy more than the others? Maybe you could specialize in that area. Also, maybe it’s time to move on to another company. Burnout could be from the job, but it could also be from working at that particular company. Maybe you’re not challenged enough or maybe you have too much on your plate and need a change of scenery. HR roles can be very different from one company or even industry to another.

7. Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachOctober 16,2023 at 5:50PM UTC

   Right now, it might seem like you have to continue in the HR field, but depending on your experience, skills, and interests, you may not have to. I specialize in helping mid-career professionals make a career change in the direction that is right for you. Based on this short post, it's hard to provide insights. Check out my profile here on FGB and if you'd like, let's chat over a complimentary call. That gives us an opportunity to talk more about your specific challenges, what's working/not working, and share helpful strategies. Alternatively, I encourage you to connect with Anna Lovell-Nesmith on LinkedIn. She's a fantastic burnout specialist who also offers complimentary calls.