Need Advice

[twhfan]

I really need some advice from my friends here at DeskDemon.  My head is still spinning trying to digest all the information I was given, so I hope I can relay the situation so that it makes sense to all of you.  Here goes:

My company is going through some tough times right now and is facing layoffs/terminations for the first time ever.  Every department has to make major cuts.  I work in the biggest department  in our company and work closely with another AA, Sammi.  Sammi's boss and my boss came to us late yesterday afternoon to fill us in on the new reorganization plans.  

The plan is that between our 2 bosses, they will have 1.5 FTE of AA support.  The next thing we were hit with is that the Human Resources Assistant who just left the company is not being replaced and that position has been cut to 20 hours per week.  So, either Sammi or I will be asked to take on the 20 hours of HR support and 20 hours for our current boss.  The person who does not take the HR position will be expected to help support the other boss for 10 hours per week.

They've left it to Sammi and I to decide what we want to do, so we are in the process of listing job duties and other responsibilities to try and make the most logical decision.  We have a meeting first thing Wednesday morning to present things to our bosses and brainstorm some more if necessary.

Part of me is leaning towards taking the HR position because I really dislike what Sammi's job entails (lots of data entry, purchase orders and supporting the educational department).  I also think it might be good to get some HR experience as this would be a marketable skill later.  To throw another couple of things into the mix:  it's possible the the HR Director's and Sammi's boss' position may be thrown onto the chopping block (not eliminated, but cut back) if another round of cuts become necessary.

My child attends our on-site daycare, so leaving the company is not something I want to explore right now.  I'm trying to stay positive and look on the bright side - Sammi and I both still have full time jobs.  Sammi seems a bit less than thrilled at the prospect of doing the HR job but has said she is willing to do whatever it takes to get things running smoothly.

What do you think?  Anyone with HR experience to give some insight?  I hardly slept last night trying to make sense of it all.  I'm asking you all to give me the benefit of your sage advice.  Help!!!

[peana]

Sounds like you're in a really awkward position at the moment.  I hope you get things straight soon.

I've no in-depth HR experience, but my job does call on me to do some.  It's definitely preferable to data-entry, and like you say, is a good transferrable skill.  A friend used to work in recruitment and tried to get into HR for years - it's pretty competitive, so if you're being offered it I'd jump at the chance (push that comfort zone!).

Whatever you and Sammi decide to do, it's really important to define the boundaries now rather than have any conflict later.  You're both going through a lot of stress and it would be a shame to fall out over this.  Similarly, if you're going to be split between HR and your current boss, you need to be sure they will respect this.  A 40 hour week is long enough, and the odd half hour extra here and there soon add up - there's a difference between being a conscientious worker and trying to do 2 peoples job!  I've been in a similar position when my previous company restructured and it's easy for an employer to use your job insecurity to treat you like a dogsbody.  

I hope you find the best solution for the pair of you.

[andream]

It sounds to me like you've been offered at least a temporary repreive, though further cut backs are looming, you'd do best to take on the job that will enhance your CV, however, be advised that HR cuts come as fast and furious as others and HR is one area that is often considered more "disposable" as long as they keep one person in place to administer and oversee the legalities.

That being said, chances are good that at least, if you're in HR you'll have access to information that will help you to make good decisions about furture job prospects with this company.  AND you have the added benefit that your coworker Sammi, is the "numbers person", and will feel more comfortable in the other parts of the position, unless she figures out that HR might be the place to be when things get more interesting, (assuming they do!).

Here's what I'd do were I in your situation.

First, I'd thank my boss.  It's not often that an employer allows support staff to make this kind of decision for themselves.  To me, this indicates that you've got a great boss and even though you may spend part of your new duties away from him/her it's worth letting him know that you appreciate his understanding that you should be in charge of your career, especially given the circumstances.

2.  Have a frank Talk with Sammi, making sure she doesn't want a piece of the HR position.  If she does, come up with a plan that allows her to do the part of the job she's good at, such as the data entry and you to take on the other duties.  (this may involve splitting the position down a bit more, but might be "doable" if it's presented properly.

3.  Make very sure that you're going to be happy in HR.  do you know the people there? Cutbacks, is the absolute Worst time to enter into an HR Team, morale is low, and they are often the bearers of very bad news, this puts you in touch with people who are shocked, hurt and angry at losing their jobs, even when the company is being very fair and providing lots of separation/severance  benefits.  This can be extremely stressful for a new employee at any time, for one who has to split her efforts between two positions, it can be a real roller coaster.

An important question to ask yourself will be "how well do I handle negative people?".  If the answer is "not good" then think twice about entering the minefield that HR is sure to be for the next several months.

Let's face it, if your company comes back to it's former health, or at least finds an even keel your position in HR may be pretty short lived.  Six months experience as an HR assistant or Coordinator, is not going to make a difference to your CV one way or another in the great scheme of things, however what WILL count in a CV/Resume is that you went into an explosive situation, handled it well and came out the other side with a positive attitude.

[twhfan]

I did it!!

I finally convinced myself to go for the HR position after agonizing for hours.  It was a real challenge to step out of my comfort zone, but I'm glad I did.  I spoke with HR and they gave me their best assurances that it's extremely unlikely that there will be further cuts in this department.  

We had our meeting this morning and discussed all the possibilities and I informed my boss that I would be willing to take on the HR position.  (I also took Andrea's advice and thanked her for allowing Sammi and I to make this decision.  She looked surprised but very pleased.)

It came out in the meeting that many of the people I currently support were very disappointed with the support (or lack thereof) that they got from the previous HR Assistant, so now is my chance to shine.   I've had the same job for 12 years, so it will be a nice to learn new things. I'm really nervous and excited at the same time.   Hope I'm up to the challenge.

Wish me luck!!

[andream]

You GO! Girl. Knock them dead and let us know if you need help!

Andrea

[countrigal]

Ditto Andrea's post!

Congratulations!!  You'll do great!

CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[raindance]

Congratulations!  

I firmly believe that once you do something new "They" can't take it away from you.  Even if you have to, at some point in the future, leave your company, you will be able to say on your CV that you have done HR.  

I wish you every success in your new role.  

Best wishes

Raindance

[peana]

Brilliant!  Wishing you all the best.