By Evelyn Evans Most of us grew up believing the golden rule of career growth: up, up, and up some more. Promotions were the ultimate badge of success. A bigger title, a fancier office (or at least fewer shared Slack channels), and—let’s be honest—a bump in paycheck.
But here’s the thing: the straight-up-the-ladder approach isn’t always the smartest move anymore. Sometimes, the best way forward is sideways. Yep, I’m talking about lateral moves—those job changes that don’t come with a fancy title upgrade or a jaw-dropping raise. Sound boring? Stick with me. It might be the game-changer your career’s been waiting for.
What Exactly Is a Lateral Move (and Why Do People Avoid It)?
A lateral move means shifting into a new role at the same level as your current one. You might move to a different department, take on new responsibilities, or even switch industries while keeping a similar title. The salary? Often the same—or close.
And that’s where most people roll their eyes. “Why bother if I’m not getting a raise?”
Here’s why: in a world where skills matter more than job titles, a lateral move can unlock opportunities you’d never find on your current path. It’s like stepping onto a new trail that secretly connects to the peak you’ve been dreaming of.
3 Reasons a Lateral Move Could Skyrocket Your Career
So why would someone voluntarily leave a comfortable role for another “equal” position? Because equal isn’t the same as stuck. Here’s what I mean:
1. You Build Skills That Promotions Can’t Give You
Climbing up usually means narrowing your focus—you become the specialist, the go-to person for one thing. Great for now, but what about when that one skill becomes outdated?
A lateral move forces you to expand your toolkit. Maybe you move from sales to product development, or from HR to operations. Suddenly, you understand the business from multiple angles. Guess who becomes the obvious choice for senior leadership roles later? The person who knows how all the moving parts work together.
2. You Grow Your Network Like Crazy
When you move sideways, you don’t just gain new skills—you gain new people. A whole new circle of colleagues, mentors, and decision-makers.
These relationships matter. A lot. Because when big opportunities open up (the ones with the titles and paychecks you do want), someone in that new circle might be the one to pull you in. In today’s job market, your network is your safety net—and your trampoline.
3. You Future-Proof Your Career Against Burnout and Layoffs
Ever notice how companies keep restructuring? Entire departments vanish overnight. Job security isn’t about sticking in one lane anymore—it’s about adaptability.
A lateral move gives you career flexibility. You’re not just an expert in one area—you’re someone who can pivot when needed. That’s the kind of resilience employers love (and pay for).
“But Won’t It Look Like I’m Not Moving Up?”
Here’s the truth: recruiters care less about the exact trajectory of your job titles and more about your story. If you can say,
“I moved into operations to understand supply chain management, which helped me drive efficiency in my next leadership role,”
that’s gold.
Plus, companies today value skills over titles. If you’ve got cross-functional experience, you stand out from the sea of one-track candidates.
When a Lateral Move Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)
Okay, before you start firing off résumés, a quick reality check: not every lateral move is worth taking.
Smart move:
The new role gives you skills you can’t learn where you are.
It exposes you to a growing area of the business or industry.
It connects you with decision-makers and influencers you couldn’t access before.
Bad move:
You’re only taking it to escape a bad boss or boring work.
The role has zero growth potential and doesn’t expand your skill set.
The company culture is toxic (you’re not upgrading—just moving your problems sideways).
How to Pitch It Without Sounding Like You’re Stagnating
If someone asks, “Why aren’t you aiming for a promotion?” here’s your answer:
“I’m looking to broaden my experience so I can bring more value to the organization long-term.”
Boom. Sounds strategic because it is. You’re not running from something—you’re running toward something.
The Bottom Line
A lateral move isn’t settling—it’s strategizing. It’s like chess: sometimes you have to move sideways to set up the winning play.
So next time someone offers you a role that doesn’t come with a corner office, don’t dismiss it right away. Ask yourself:
Will this make me smarter, more connected, or more versatile?
Could this be the secret detour to where I actually want to go?
Because in a world where careers zigzag more than ever, the straight-up climb might not be your fastest route to success. Sometimes, sideways is the new up.