Sidestep to success: Mastering lateral moves

Looking to climb the career ladder? Don’t underestimate the power of a lateral career move.?

Though it may not seem as glamorous as a promotion, making a horizontal shift can offer tremendous benefits. From gaining new skills to increasing job stability, there are plenty of reasons to consider taking a sideways step in your career, say experts in this edition of the Get Hired by LinkedIn News Asia newsletter.

Read on to learn more about what to consider when contemplating a lateral career shift.

We also want to hear from you: What's your advice on navigating a lateral career move? Share in the comments below, using #GetHiredAsia.

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Navigate with ambition

“Not all career movements are vertical. This is why careers are now more commonly pictured as a lattice rather than a ladder. There isn’t just one single path, and that path is not always upward,” says leadership coach Kurly de Guzman, ICF PCC .

“Half of my career moves during my corporate days were lateral, meaning there was no or insignificant change to my job level or pay. These lateral moves allowed me to expand my experience and network. Though there might be similarities in some of my roles, I was able to develop specialised skills.”

When considering a lateral move, always check alignment with your overall career goals or aspirations. If there are skills, experiences or networks that will enrich and prepare you for what’s ahead, then that move might be worth considering, she suggests.?

Mindset matters

“In both life and career, movement is fundamental for learning, growth, and expansion. Whether aspiring for lateral or vertical positions, it boils down to mindset and choices,” says executive coach Kevin Cottam.?

He emphasises on some advantages for a lateral move:?

• Skill diversification: Opportunity to acquire new skills and transfer existing ones to a new environment.
• Career development: Exposure to diverse organisational facets, working in different departments, expanding knowledge, mindset, and adaptability.
• Limit stagnation: Improved performance through learning and potential unlearning in a new environment with networking opportunities.
• Talent retention: Provides growth opportunities for employees seeking new challenges.
• Work-life balance: Potential for a better work-life balance, catering to individual life situations.

Consideration checklist

“The decision to make a lateral career move should be carefully considered based on individual circumstances, goals, and priorities. By keeping key considerations in mind, you can make informed decisions that align with your career aspirations and personal growth objectives,” says 莎曼勃士 .

She suggests some considerations to note while making a lateral move:

• Define your goals: Identify your career goals and assess whether a lateral move aligns with them.?
• Research about the role and company: Understand the responsibilities and expectations of the new role, and research the culture and values of the company to ensure compatibility.
• Communicate effectively: Communicate your reasons for the move to your current and potential future managers. Emphasise the skills and experiences you aim to gain and how they will benefit both parties.
• Networking: Leverage your professional network to gather insights about the new role or company. Connect with individuals who have made similar moves.
• Negotiate terms: If applicable, negotiate salary and benefits. While the move might not come with an immediate promotion, ensuring that the overall package reflects the value you bring to the new role is essential.
• Prepare for change: Be mentally prepared for the adjustments that come with a lateral move, including building new relationships, learning new processes, and adapting to a different work environment.

Long-term gain

“In today’s world, it is never enough to just wait for your boss to promote you. Promotions are often restricted by a company's salary matrix and promotion quotas. Outstanding individual performance can ensure consideration for promotion, but factors like company restructuring can put it on hold,” says financial consultant Jaslyn Ng.?

Therefore, employees should focus on "outgrowing themselves" by taking on more projects or making a lateral move to improve their own value. While this may not result in an immediate pay increase, the experience gained will be valuable in the long run, she suggests.??

What's your advice on navigating a lateral career move? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and/or in a post using #GetHiredAsia

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Reported By: Neha Jain Kale – LinkedIn News Editor covering jobs and career development in Asia.

Editor’s Note: Some quotes were edited for length and clarity.