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HR professionals travel many paths during their career, many along a linear trajectory whilst others take ‘the road less travelled’. Whether it be moving from consulting to an in-house role, an HR specialist to an HR generalist role (and vice versa), or functional HR to line management, rarely are these well planned, deliberate career moves but rather the result of opportunity calling. In an ideal world (which we are all yet to discover), careers would be neatly mapped with clear intentions, timeframes and progression. In reality (a world we are all much more familiar with), you must be receptive and well positioned to receive those career opportunities when they come knocking.

We are regularly called upon by HR practitioners to provide our perspective on the impact of these career moves. Anxious about making the wrong move, people are often concerned about the impact on their marketability, negatives perceptions of the move (perceived and real), future career progression and ability to “get back in” after changing course. With no crystal ball to lean on, we hope that the following points may help to take the ‘indecision’ out of your decision.

Reflect, Research, Respond

• Do you have a clear sense as to where you are heading in your career? Does this new opportunity challenge that in all the right ways? Or are there risks that outweigh the gains?
• If you don’t have a clear sense as to where you are heading in your career (this is ok too) consider where this opportunity might take you – always think two roles ahead…
• What are the benefits and the opportunities in making this move? Spend as much time focusing on these as the risks and the negatives.
• How will you set yourself up for success in this new role (consider a sponsor, a mentor, a great first 90 day plan)? Is the company setting you up for success?
• Is the work interesting and inspiring? What does it offer you that very few others might have (think about your proposition to market)? How will this add to your story?
• What does this experience add to your resume and how does it play to your strengths (playing to your strengths is important and it often leads to role happiness)?
• Consider where the HR model of the future is headed, what are the skills and experiences you need to be successful as the ‘future of (HR) work’ changes e.g. will this role provide you with the commercial acumen that may be lacking in your functional career to date? 

Remember, be honest with yourself. You may come to realise that growth begins once your comfort zone ends. If you find it tough to answer these questions yourself without the guidance and input of others, seek out the necessary advice, do your due diligence, and make an informed decision. Ultimately, it is your career though and the decision does need to be yours.