Career Strategies: Moving Sideways

Posted on Feb 8th, 12:15 am, under Career Advice

Not all careers offer prospects for rapid advancement. If you feel that you've been in your spot for too long now, have you ever considered moving sideways instead? When moving up your career ladder isn't imminent, you may be able to improve your chances by transferring to another employer, or perhaps another department in the same firm. There are many reasons why a sideways move could benefit your career:

1. A prelude to future career progress. If your current company sees a lot of internal competition or has a very flat organizational system, it can be very hard to get promoted. You may be better off looking elsewhere for advancement. A sideways move can give you valuable additional skills and more industry contacts for the all-important professional network. Both of these factors can really help you when a higher-level position appears.

2. Better perks and benefits. When looking for another job to move to, don't just look at the pay, examine the total compensation package. If it offers you lots of non-cash benefits, such as health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans. Other companies offer more perks, such as tuition assistance, on-site childcare, or work-from-home opportunities.

3. Same salary, more take-home pay. Your new position or job could still be at the same pay grade, but you may be able to get a more favorable bottom line out of it. For example, your new position may involve a shorter commute everyday or cheaper parking than your old job. If you have to relocate for a new job, you may be able to move to an area with a lower cost of living. In this instance, your new employer may even subsidize your relocation costs. 

4. Better alignment with long-term goals. If you're not seeing any career growth in your current company, a lateral move can get you into another firm or industry that better suits your long-term plans. Even if it does not result in a financial gain, the morale boost and renewed sense of purpose that you'll get from this move cannot be underestimated.

5. A chance to learn new skills. The new job may offer a similar title and a similar salary, but it could provide you with a new set of skills or learning opportunities. As employers move to leaner settings, the more skills you have the better. The varied experience will make you more marketable should the opportunity for a promotion arise, or for the next time you may need to explore a career move. The added skills can also protect you from being at the top of the list when it is time for a cut.

6. Getting out while the going is good. Being laid off is rarely a pleasant experience, and it doesn't really do any favors for your resume either. If you think that your current position is in danger of being eliminated, you can either stay on and try to keep it, or you can do a preemptive transfer to another position. This helps prevent potential financial insecurity by keeping you employed, and keeps your job record clean.

So is a lateral job transfer the right choice for you? That's for you to decide. It may be worthwhile, but it can also be a risk. Evaluate your professional and personal situation carefully before you make the choice.