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It may be an early mid-life crisis, but after 14 years in HR, I'm thinking about getting out of the personnel field - I feel the need to do something new and fresh. Any ideas for other occupations where the skills I've acquired might serve me equally well?
Doug Knott, senior consultant, Chiumento
The world is your oyster! I have worked with HR professionals who have moved into a wide variety of other occupations - from chief executive to bus driver and from sales director to member of the Clergy.
The HR fraternity is a broad church and there are no generic career paths universally suitable for all those seeking a new challenge. Many HR professionals do, however, find it difficult to move into functions such as sales or finance. So why not consider a move into operations management in your current or a similar organisation?
The high people management content typical of such roles will give you a great opportunity to apply those best practice HR policies you have promoted for the last 14 years. You will also find a spell in a line management role will make you a more effective HR professional in the future.
Take time to reflect on your longer-term career goals and ensure your next move adds value to the achievement of those objectives. On a practical note, you also need to consider the financial implications of moving to a new occupation and any development needs or qualifications that may be needed to gain entry.
John Baker, head of practice, Macmillan Davies Hodes
If you are looking to do something different, you need to consider not just what 14 years in HR has provided you with, but assess your other life skills as well. Additionally, it is important you identify what you want to achieve in your career, both short and long term.
I recommend you invest some time and money in consulting with a reputable career counsellor to take you through this process. If you are unsure who to approach, it is worth speaking to a number of different organisations to find an individual whom you feel comfortable working with.
If you are fundamentally dissatisfied with an HR career, you may need to take some far-reaching decisions as to your career development.
Peter Sell, joint managing director, DMS Consultancy
You need to analyse your skills. If these include good interpersonal skills, the understanding of
