6 Reasons to Consider a Lateral Career Move

22 Nov

Making a sideways career move doesn’t make sense… right? Wrong.

A lateral career move, changing companies or teams while staying at a similar level, can be one of the smartest long-term decisions you make. Particularly in competitive markets like SaaS, sales, and GTM roles, lateral moves often unlock faster progression, stronger earning potential, and greater career satisfaction.

We explore six compelling reasons to consider a lateral career move, and why it’s increasingly viewed as a strategic career decision.

1. Too Many People at Your Level

In large organisations, it’s common to find many professionals operating at the same level, often with similar tenure, experience, and performance metrics. While this can create a strong peer group, it can also significantly slow career progression.

When a promotion opportunity finally appears, you’re suddenly competing against a long list of equally capable colleagues. Progression becomes less about performance and more about timing, internal politics, or visibility.

A lateral move to another organisation can remove this bottleneck. By joining a company where your skills are scarcer or where growth plans are accelerating, you often gain clearer visibility and access to decision-makers. In many cases, professionals who move laterally externally position themselves for promotion far faster than those who stay put internally.

Several large employer studies and academic papers find that employees who make lateral moves are more likely to be promoted than similar peers who stay in the same role (Source: Management Science).

2. Greater Earning Potential (Beyond Base Salary)

Accepting a role with a similar base salary can feel like standing still, but base salary rarely reflects true earning potential, particularly in SaaS sales and revenue-generating roles.

Total compensation is shaped by multiple factors: targets, commission structure, accelerators, territory quality, product-market fit, and leadership support. Two roles with identical base salaries can deliver dramatically different take-home pay.

A well-chosen lateral move can unlock higher achievable OTE, better quota attainment, and long-term upside through equity or growth opportunities. Professionals who assess the full compensation picture rather than focusing solely on base salary often increase earnings without changing job titles.

3. Boredom Is a Career Risk

Boredom is often dismissed as a minor frustration, but over time it can become a serious career risk and have damaging consequences. When learning slows and motivation dips, performance usually follows.

A lateral move can reignite momentum by introducing new challenges, customers, markets, and leadership styles. Exposure to different ways of working broadens skill sets and keeps professionals sharp and adaptable.

Working for a company whose mission, product, or culture genuinely excites you often leads to higher engagement and stronger results. Sustained curiosity and energy are critical to long-term career success.

4. A Better Commute (or No Commute at All)

Time is one of the most undervalued career assets. A long or stressful commute can quietly drain energy, focus, and wellbeing.

Reducing or removing your commute can significantly improve day-to-day quality of life, freeing up time for family, fitness, or personal development. Many professionals report better performance and lower burnout when work fits more naturally around life.

With remote and hybrid working now widely accepted, a lateral move can offer the same level of responsibility and progression, without the daily travel cost.

5. Stronger Leadership and Mentorship

Leadership quality plays a defining role in career development. Without clear direction, feedback, and coaching, even high performers can plateau.

If your current environment lacks strong mentorship, staying put can limit growth. A lateral move in search of better leadership is increasingly viewed as a positive decision rather than a risk.

Professionals who proactively seek environments with empathetic, communicative, and development-focused leaders often progress faster. It demonstrates self-awareness, ambition, and a commitment to long-term learning—qualities hiring managers actively value.

6. Cost of Living and Lifestyle Flexibility

High salaries in major cities often come with equally high living costs, which can erode real earnings over time.

A lateral move to a company based outside major hubs or one that operates remotely, can deliver comparable compensation with significantly better lifestyle balance. Lower housing costs, reduced travel expenses, and greater flexibility often translate into higher overall satisfaction.

Many high-growth organisations now prioritise outcomes over location, offering professionals the freedom to live where they perform best.

Final Thoughts: Lateral Doesn’t Mean Stagnant

When chosen intentionally, it can accelerate progression, increase earnings, improve wellbeing, and set you up for long-term success.

If you’re considering a move and want objective advice on whether a lateral transition makes sense for your career, speaking with a specialist recruiter who understands your market can be a valuable first step.

Lateral Career Moves FAQs

No. When positioned correctly, lateral moves demonstrate intentional decision-making, adaptability, and a focus on long-term growth. Hiring managers are far more interested in impact and progression than job titles alone. If you can provide reasons why you made lateral career moves, it can work on your favour.
A lateral move makes sense when progression is blocked, learning has stalled, leadership support is weak, or when another role offers better long-term upside despite a similar title. Some may also consider a lateral career move for personal reasons such as better work-life balance and more fulfilling work.
Most employers understand that promotion opportunities are often limited by structure, not performance. Clearly articulating why you chose to move and what you gained from it, typically strengthens your story.
Yes. Many professionals achieve promotion more quickly after moving laterally into growing organisations with clearer career pathways and less internal competition.
Several large employer studies and academic papers find that employees who make lateral moves are more likely to be promoted than similar peers who stay in the same role.