I AM an experienced regional human resource (HR) director in my late 40s. Besides my HR-related professional qualifications, I hold an MBA from an Australian university.

I have been involved in HR work for over 20 years and I'm feeling a little jaded. Moreover, at my level of seniority, politicking is thick and heavy.

My organisation has just been acquired by a major competitor, and it is only a matter of time before restructuring begins - and job cuts.

My boss, the chief executive, is relying heavily on me to lead the integration team for HR. I am really tired and I am thinking of jumping ship.

I have been considering alternative career paths for about 12 months. What options do you think I have? How do you think my boss and colleagues, and the market, will perceive my departure at a time when the organisation really needs me?

HAVING worked with many senior HR professionals, I can say that your situation is not uncommon.

It might help if you try to understand how the situation is affecting you. Have you felt this way before? If so, how did you deal with it? Did that solution work for you? If it did, would it work again in this case?

If you are feeling physically and/or emotionally tired, you could be headed for a burnout. My advice would be to take a break. Disconnect yourself from office issues. You need to recharge your batteries and do some soul-searching about how you can manage your current challenges.

You can break them up into two parts. First, look at the impending changes that are affecting your company and your job. Second, examine your thoughts about exploring alternative career paths.

As a fellow HR professional, I do not feel it is right for you to jump ship under such circumstances. However, you must decide for yourself if such a move is appropriate in this case.

You can consider staying put and leading the integration team through the changes. I believe you could benefit from the experience, both professionally and personally. Certainly, it would put you in a favourable position with potential employers later.

Office politics, at your level of seniority, are something you will just have to deal with. Most times, the issues will come from the same people; just manage them as best as you can.

As far as alternative options go, it would be difficult for me to offer you advice here as I do not know where your interests lie.

Some people I coached opted for drastic moves that took them in a totally different direction, as they decided to pursue interests that they had been passionate about for a long time. Others became search consultants.

You can consider working with a professional career coach to uncover your core interest areas, which should help you to identify alternative career options later on.

Whatever decision you eventually make, do remember to ask yourself one thing: 'How might this option bring me to the next option?' You have to plan two steps ahead. Good luck!

Paul Heng
Founder
NeXT Career Consulting Group, Asia

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. E-mail questions to a1admin@sph.com.sg

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