When And How To Make A Lateral Move

When and How to Make a Lateral Move in 2026

In today’s dynamic job market, career paths often present challenges where upward mobility may seem limited. When you find the path to promotion blocked or uncertain, a lateral move might be the best option for your professional growth.

A lateral move involves transitioning to a role with similar responsibilities and compensation, allowing you to explore new skills, enhance your visibility, or secure your career future. But how do you determine if this is the right step for you?

Here are some insights and recommendations to guide your decision-making process.

Key Takeaways:

A lateral move is when an employee changes positions that are roughly equivalent in pay or responsibilities.
Lateral moves can be beneficial for skill acquisition, career security, and increased visibility.
However, making too many lateral moves or using them as a response to setbacks can hinder your career progress.
To ensure a successful lateral transition, identify your needs, conduct thorough research, communicate with your supervisor, apply for the position, and evaluate your feelings about the change.

When And How To Make A Lateral Move

In This Article

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What Is a Lateral Move?
Lateral Move vs. Promotion
When You Should Make a Lateral Move
When You Shouldn’t Make a Lateral Move
How to Make a Lateral Move
Final Thoughts
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What Is a Lateral Move?

A lateral move refers to a job change within the same organization or to a different company, where the new role is similar in title and pay. Unlike promotions, which involve ascending the corporate ladder with increased responsibilities, lateral moves maintain your current level while slightly altering your duties.

These transitions can open doors to new opportunities and skills that may not be available in your current role. In recent years, the corporate landscape has shifted, making lateral moves more accepted as employees seek stability and skill diversification in a rapidly evolving job market.

As job security fluctuates, many professionals view lateral moves as strategic steps to enhance their skill set and adapt to new environments, providing long-term benefits for future career advancement.

Lateral Move vs. Promotion

It’s essential to differentiate between a lateral move and a promotion:

Promotion: A promotion signifies upward mobility, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and higher pay. It elevates you within your career path.
Lateral Move: In contrast, a lateral move maintains your current level while potentially offering different responsibilities or a new environment without an increase in rank.

When You Should Make a Lateral Move

Understanding the right circumstances for a lateral move is crucial. Here are several scenarios where it may be advantageous:

When you need to learn new skills: If you’ve mastered your current role, a lateral move can introduce you to new skill sets that benefit your career in the long run.
When you need to secure your future: If your current role or company seems unstable, transitioning to a similar position at a more secure organization can be wise.
When the workplace environment is untenable: If conflicts with management or colleagues make your current position uncomfortable, a lateral move might provide a fresh start.
When you want to boost your visibility: Engaging with different teams and departments can enhance your reputation and increase future promotion opportunities.
When you enjoy your current job: If you love your work but seek a change, a lateral move can refresh your routine without compromising job satisfaction.

When You Shouldn’t Make a Lateral Move

While lateral moves can be beneficial, there are situations where they may not be the best choice:

When you’re simply unhappy with your job: Switching to another similar position won’t resolve deeper dissatisfaction with your career.
When the new role is too distant from your goals: Ensure that your lateral move aligns with your long-term career objectives; otherwise, it may hinder your progress.
When you’ve made too many lateral moves already: Frequent lateral transitions without upward movement can raise concerns about your career trajectory.
When it involves a pay cut: Ideally, a lateral move should maintain or increase your salary. However, in some cases, a minimal pay cut for better mental health may be justifiable.
When it leads to a career setback: If a lateral move delays your aspirations, it may not be worth the trade-off.

How to Make a Lateral Move

Follow these steps to navigate a successful lateral career move:

Identify your needs: Reflect on what you want from the lateral move—whether it’s new responsibilities, a change of scenery, or skill development.
Research: Investigate internal job postings or market opportunities that align with your goals.
Communicate with your boss: Discuss your thoughts and potential openings with your supervisor, seeking their advice and support.
Start applying: Depending on the situation, you may need to apply formally for the new role or leverage internal transfer options.
Assess the change: After transitioning, evaluate your satisfaction with the new role and opportunities for growth.

Final Thoughts

In summary, making a lateral move can be a strategic decision in your career journey. Always keep your ultimate career goals in mind and use them as a benchmark to evaluate your lateral move’s success. If it brings you closer to your aspirations or alleviates challenges without moving you further away from your objectives, then it’s likely a positive step forward.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Ryan Morris

Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.

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