What To Know
- A lateral step up involves moving to a new position within the same company or industry, often at a similar level of seniority.
- A step up, on the other hand, is a traditional promotion that involves a clear increase in both responsibility and authority.
- Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue a lateral step up or a step up depends on your individual goals and circumstances.
Making a career move can be a daunting decision, especially when faced with two seemingly similar options: a lateral step up vs step up. Both involve a change, but the nuances of each can significantly impact your career trajectory. This blog post will delve into the key differences between these two career paths, helping you understand which one aligns better with your goals and aspirations.
What is a Lateral Step Up?
A lateral step up involves moving to a new position within the same company or industry, often at a similar level of seniority. While it might not involve an immediate increase in title or salary, it offers valuable opportunities for growth and development.
Here are some key characteristics of a lateral step up:
- New Responsibilities: You’ll likely take on new tasks and projects, expanding your skillset and knowledge base.
- Different Environment: You might be working with a new team, department, or even a different location, exposing you to new perspectives and challenges.
- Potential for Growth: While not a direct promotion, a lateral step up can position you for future advancement by showcasing your versatility and adaptability.
What is a Step Up?
A step up, on the other hand, is a traditional promotion that involves a clear increase in both responsibility and authority. You’ll likely see a jump in your title, salary, and the scope of your influence within the organization.
Here are some key characteristics of a step up:
- Increased Authority: You’ll be responsible for leading a larger team, managing bigger budgets, or making more significant decisions.
- Higher Salary and Benefits: A step up typically comes with a raise and potentially better perks like bonuses, stock options, or improved healthcare coverage.
- Career Advancement: A step up signals your progress and can open doors to even more senior positions in the future.
The Pros and Cons of a Lateral Step Up
Pros:
- Expand your skillset: You get to learn new things and develop new skills, making you a more well-rounded professional.
- Gain valuable experience: Working in a different environment can expose you to diverse perspectives and challenges, enhancing your adaptability and problem-solving skills.
- Build your network: You’ll connect with new people and build relationships that can benefit your career in the long run.
- Increase your marketability: A lateral step up demonstrates your willingness to take on challenges and learn new things, making you a more attractive candidate for future employers.
Cons:
- No immediate salary increase: You might not see an immediate financial benefit, which can be a drawback for some.
- Potential for stagnation: If you’re not careful, a lateral step up can lead to stagnation if you’re not actively seeking to progress within the new role.
- Risk of taking a step back: While it’s not always the case, sometimes a lateral step up can involve taking on less responsibility than your previous role, which can be demotivating.
The Pros and Cons of a Step Up
Pros:
- Increased salary and benefits: You’ll receive a financial reward for your hard work and dedication.
- Greater responsibility and authority: You’ll have more control and influence over your team and projects, providing a sense of accomplishment and ownership.
- Career advancement: A step up is a clear sign of progress and can open doors to even more senior positions in the future.
- Increased recognition and respect: You’ll be recognized as a leader and your expertise will be valued more highly.
Cons:
- Increased workload and stress: Taking on more responsibility can lead to a heavier workload and increased pressure.
- Potential for burnout: The demands of a senior position can be overwhelming, leading to burnout if you’re not careful.
- Limited opportunities for growth: If you’re already at the top of your field, a step up might not be feasible, and you might have to look outside your current organization for new opportunities.
Choosing the Right Path
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue a lateral step up or a step up depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
- Your career goals: Do you want to focus on developing new skills and gaining experience, or are you looking for a quick promotion and increased salary?
- Your risk tolerance: Are you comfortable with the possibility of not seeing an immediate financial reward, or do you prefer a guaranteed increase in salary and benefits?
- Your current situation: What are your current job prospects? Are there any opportunities for advancement within your current organization?
- Your personal preferences: What kind of work environment are you looking for? Do you prefer a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, or a more relaxed and collaborative atmosphere?
Beyond the Traditional Paths: Lateral Step Up with Growth Potential
It’s also important to note that there are often opportunities for lateral step ups that do offer growth potential. These might involve moving to a different department with a clear path to promotion, or taking on a role with greater responsibility within your existing team.
When considering a lateral step up, be sure to ask about the potential for future growth within the new role. This can help you avoid the risk of stagnation and ensure that the move is a step in the right direction for your career.
Navigating Your Career Journey
Whether you choose a lateral step up or a step up, it’s crucial to be proactive in your career development. Here are some tips for navigating your career journey:
- Set clear goals: What do you want to achieve in your career? Write down your goals and create a plan to achieve them.
- Network with others: Build relationships with people in your field and stay connected with your professional network.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends: Read industry publications, attend conferences, and take online courses to stay ahead of the curve.
- Seek out mentors and sponsors: Find experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support as you advance your career.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks: Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.
Thinking Beyond the Binary: A More Holistic Approach
The traditional view of career progression often paints a binary picture: a step up or a lateral step up. However, a more holistic approach recognizes that career growth can take many forms.
Consider these options:
- Taking on new projects: Even within your current role, you can seek out new projects that challenge you and expand your skillset.
- Volunteering for leadership opportunities: Offer to lead team projects or take on a leadership role within a professional organization.
- Developing new skills: Take online courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications to enhance your knowledge and expertise.
Final Thoughts: Your Career, Your Choices
Ultimately, the best career move is the one that aligns with your individual goals and aspirations. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to lateral step up vs step up. Both can be valuable opportunities for growth and development, but it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
Remember, your career is your journey, and you have the power to shape it in a way that fulfills your ambitions.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What are some signs that a lateral step up might be right for me?
A: If you’re feeling stagnant in your current role, or if you’re looking to expand your skillset and gain new experience, a lateral step up might be a good option for you. It can also be a good choice if you’re looking to build your network and connect with new people.
Q: How can I make sure a lateral step up doesn’t lead to stagnation?
A: Be proactive in your new role. Seek out opportunities to learn new things, take on new challenges, and network with others in your field. Make sure you’re actively contributing to the team and making a positive impact.
Q: What are some tips for negotiating a promotion?
A: Be prepared to articulate your value to the company. Highlight your accomplishments and how you’ve contributed to the organization’s success. Be confident and assertive, but also be respectful of the negotiation process.
Q: What if I’m not sure which path is right for me?
A: Talk to your manager, mentors, or career advisors. They can provide valuable insights and guidance as you make this important decision.
