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Lateral vs. Upward Career Moves: How to Choose the Right Path for Your Growth

When thinking about career growth, most people picture moving up the ladder—getting promoted, taking on more responsibility, and earning a higher salary. But there’s another valuable path that’s often overlooked: the lateral move. In today’s dynamic corporate world, both upward and lateral moves can be smart, strategic steps. The key is figuring out which one aligns best with your goals.

What’s the Difference Between These Two Paths?

  • Upward Move: A promotion to a higher-level role, usually with more responsibility, leadership duties, and compensation.
  • Lateral Move: A shift to a different role at the same level, often in a new department, team, or function.

Why Consider a Lateral Move?

Lateral moves can be just as powerful as promotions when it comes to long-term career growth. Here’s why:

  • Broaden your skill set: Moving into a new area—like switching from marketing to product management—can help you build new capabilities.
  • Explore new interests: If you’re curious about another part of the business, a lateral move lets you try something new without the pressure of a promotion.
  • Build a stronger network: Working with new teams and leaders can expand your professional connections and open doors.
  • Increase your versatility: Diverse experience makes you more adaptable and competitive for future leadership roles.

When Is an Upward Move the Right Choice?

If you’re ready for more responsibility and have mastered your current role, an upward move might be the right next step. It’s a great option when:

  • You’re passionate about leading others or managing larger projects.
  • You’ve developed deep expertise in your current area.
  • You’re looking for a new challenge and are ready to stretch your skills.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Ask yourself:

  1. What are my long-term goals?
    Do you want to lead a team, become a specialist, or explore different areas of the business?
  2. What skills do I want to develop?
    Think about what’s missing from your current role and how a new position could help you grow.
  3. Am I looking for more responsibility—or more variety?
    Upward moves often come with higher expectations. Lateral moves can offer fresh experiences and new perspectives.
  4. What does success look like to me?
    Success isn’t always about titles. It might mean finding a role that better fits your interests, values, or lifestyle.

Your Career, Your Direction

There’s no one-size-fits-all path in the corporate world. Whether you’re aiming higher or looking to broaden your experience, both lateral and upward moves can help you grow. The most important thing is to stay curious, keep learning, and choose the path that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

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