Should I quit my well-paid IT job to do some internships in HR because that's become my current field of study?

Location is central Europe

So I just graduated from university with a bachelor in psychology, and I signed up for a master's degree in HR Counseling. I currently work in an IT Calling center part-time. They are ready to turn it into a full-time position so it is not so bad.

The job sucks, but it pays handsomely. Very. Handsomely. Which is why I'm doing it and why I'm sticking around. It was a really good gig to make ends meet when I was doing psychology, but my long-term career objective is to be an HR Consultant. And doing IT has never become so irrelevant.

I looked up some opportunities to do interns and part-time positions, and most of them are orchestrated by some students jobs agencies (nothing sketchy about them, I worked with them in the past). The only problem is that.... I'm gonna make half what I make in my current job. The payment IS THAT LOW.

And here I am asking, do you guys think it's worth the effort? How critical is it to have experience in the field you're studying nu the time of your graduation? Should I go for it? Or stay in my current job and hope for the best after graduation?

Thanks in advance!

Discussion (2)

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Christopher Yong

08 Aug 2021

Hi! I understand where you are coming from, like staying in this part-time IT Calling center job to make ends meet for the time being and to pay the bills. It’s good that you know what you want to be at the end, which is to be an HR Consultant.

Perhaps you can consider other methods such as volunteering, coaching, or mentoring to clock up the experience for the time being? Volunteering for the respective organizations that you are interested in, during your free time as you have a relevant qualification in psychology. Or you can provide guidance and mentorship to teens/youths or someone younger than you. For coaching, there are professional certifications that you can consider pursuing as well, which might help you towards your career goals.

Although the activities may seem slightly non-relevant, I feel that it’s transferrable as HR and psychology are similar in terms of dealing with people and helping them. Ultimately, it’s how you pivot and market yourself effectively when the time comes. Do make the best decision for yourself, all the best!

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Billy

07 Aug 2021

Development & Acquisitions Manager at Real Estate Private Equity

I think you gotta ask yourself are you a realist or are you an idealist.

If you have the mentality that 'money is the be all and end all', then I would term you as a realist. In that case, just stick with your current role that rakes in cash. And as what you mentioned, you may not exactly like the job, but if you adopt the mindset that ultimately, its just a job that pays for your net worth. I'm pretty sure you can get by and endure it.

If you have the mentality that terms like "Passion" "Empowerment" "Job Satisfaction" are crucial in a job, then I would term you as an idealist then I would advise you to change roles. Though it pays lesser, these intrinsic and intangible motivations would serve to keep you going in your role.

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