Career progression is very important to a lot of people. What better way to show your worth in your chosen field then to be granted the opportunity to climb the career ladder?
Is it always that easy? There might be a new role which elevates you from your current position or an internal promotion to greater things. What if that doesn’t work out? Today, #CareerCounsel wants to show you that there are other ways to progress your career, even if it doesn’t mean an immediate ‘step up.’ Here’s how to side step your way to success!
Just a quick note! This isn’t a focus on side stepping within your field or specialism. For example, you might take an email marketing focused role to broaden your overall marketing horizons. But don’t worry, we will cover tips and tricks for this too!
Why should I consider a lateral career move?
So your motivations for wanting to make that next step might not be realised; a higher wage, managing a team or much greater overall responsibility. Have you considered that perhaps there is more to do before you that change can happen? You might not think so but considering a side step, or lateral career move, might hold the key to your long term success! Here’s why:
- There will be a change of scenery. Perhaps not as big a change as you originally wanted, but a good one nonetheless. You get a fresh outlook and a chance to do something completely new. When looking at something as long term as your career, it is beneficial to shake it up and map out your future with fresh eyes.
- You can show how adaptive you can be to new surroundings, new responsibilities (but not extra ones) and new faces. In the long run, you will be a much more viable option for the managerial positions you were originally looking for.
- Are you fully committed to your career goals? Every goal and aim in your career is not going to be handed to you…we all know that! If you truly see yourself in a certain place in five or ten years’ time, do you have to make some changes to make this happen?
- You don’t want to jump around too much in your search for the perfect path to career progression. 12-18 months in a role really shows a commitment to your work, and eagerness to make a difference in one place. It could help with a side step within that company, or to a whole new company where your career journey can continue.
What to consider for a career side step
- Does it make sense to your career map? Are you doing it because it might open higher doors or because it actually will? Really consider what opportunities will help you in the long run.
- What new skills will you learn? You want to be able to learn completely new things while retaining all your current skills. However, make sure you won’t feel like there’s so much to learn that you are at the bottom of the learning curve.
- Consider more than the progression aspect as there will be changes from your current settings. A side step might involve a move to a different office within the company, or of course a whole new company altogether. Obviously these changes will be addressed before you would accept any offer, but remember the bigger picture before you even start looking for side step opportunities. Don’t side step for the sake of it, because you want to remain completely happy in what you do and how it affects your private life.
We hope you can take these tips if a side step is something you are considering. Remember, we will be returning to this topic very soon!