Confused ? Need career advice. Sideways move worth it ?

[Newcareermove]

Feeling confused 😐

For career women, especially those in corporate jobs - how do you decide if an internal, sideways move is the right thing to do ?

I am happy where I am but I am keen to progress and move up in the organisation. There is an opportunity to move sideways - same job but busier with probably more responsibilities and accountability.

What things should I look for to understand if this will be a good strategic move ?

I did a sideways move in the NHS. Granted I'm only band 5 but for me I went from having no management experience In the NHS to managing staff which will help me in the long run if I wanted to apply for a higher banded management role.

What's the progression path above the new role? Is the team well managed?

As a general rule of thumb, think about how you would describe the sideways move to a future interview panel.

Does it give you a chance to develop a new skill/skills? Does it give you a chance to use (or show off) skills that are going to waste in your current role?

That balanced against what opportunities for progression there are in the other role should give you an answer.

I would weigh this up based on:

• Your overall aspirations - where do you want to be in 5 years? Which of these roles would help you to get there fastest?
• Line management - compare your current manager to your potential one. Who do you think will support you more?
• Responsibility and accountability - will you be managing larger budgets/more high profile projects etc? I would consider how these will look on your CV in comparison to your current role.
• Potential for progression compared to your current role - will this possibly result in quicker/more lucrative promotion prospects?
• Salary - I have taken a couple of sideways moves for a higher salary.