Why Career Growth Isn’t Always a Vertical Climb—and How to Embrace the Journey

When you picture your career path, do you picture a straight line of growth to the top of your field? Or, do you imagine twists, turns, and loops before advancing again?
Most career paths are like hiking trails. They might go left or right and up steep hills or down valleys for short periods before reaching the final destination.
Many hikers choose a route starting with a steep incline to finish the hard part when they have the most energy. Even if they set out to follow a specific path, they might change course and end up in a different location than originally planned.
The same concept applies to career growth. It’s not always the predictable, vertical climb that many people anticipate.
Even if you plan your career path, odds are you’ll take on opportunities that interest you and diverge from your map. Therefore, career growth likely won’t be a predictable, steady, or straight climb up only one hill. Instead, you’ll embrace the climb and enjoy the adventure even more than expected.
Education Does Not Always Determine Career Paths
If you decide to continue your education past high school, what you earn a degree or certification in typically won’t make or break your career. You might end up in a field somewhat related to or very different from what you intended.
What you started out doing for a career likely won’t be what you do later. For instance, you could start a manufacturing career and use your transferrable skills to build an IT career. Using diverse job opportunities as stepping stones helps fulfill your interests and potential.
Benefits of Lateral Career Growth
Moving sideways within an organization or to a new company expands your skill set and experience level. These qualifications enhance your ability to take on future lateral and vertical roles.
The benefits of lateral career growth include:
- Greater flexibility. Exploring new interests or changing fields supports growth without necessarily starting over.
- Increased creativity. Exposure to diverse ideas, perspectives, and challenges contributes to problem-solving and professional development.
- Diversified skill set. Broadening your knowledge, skills, and abilities increases versatility and adaptation for more complex roles.
- Network expansion. Building relationships with new colleagues and coworkers opens doors to future job opportunities.
Tips to Maximize Lateral Career Growth
These tips can help you embrace the climb of lateral career growth:
- Set clear objectives. Define what you want to attain from lateral moves, such as developing specific skills or exploring new opportunities. Use these details to support decision-making.
- Network. Build relationships within and outside your company to find lateral job opportunities. Participate in industry events, connect with professionals in the fields that interest you, and stay open to diverse career paths.
- Request feedback and mentorship. Seek insight and advice from peers and mentors who made lateral career moves. Get help making informed decisions and navigating obstacles.
- Embrace ongoing learning. Use each lateral move to learn and grow. Develop new skills, solve problems, and expand your horizons.
- Be patient and persistent. Trust the process. Although you might not see immediate results, keep moving forward. Each experience enhances your journey and expertise.
Ready for Your Next Lateral Move?
PrideStaff’s team of seasoned professionals can help connect you with exciting job opportunities aligned with your unique goals, skills, and interests. Contact your local PrideStaff office today to get started!
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