The career ladder has become the career map

Career success has often been described as climbing the corporate ladder, securing a bigger role, getting the title and increased responsibility, but careers don't always work that way anymore.

Sometimes progress means moving up but it can also mean moving across to build broader experience or going deeper into an area of expertise. Sometimes, the best move is to pause, reassess or change direction entirely.

The problem with a career ladder is that it only gives you one direction, instead of giving you options.

Rather than ask "what's my next step up?" perhaps ask "what's my best next move?"

Career progress isn't about following someone else's path. It's about creating one that works for you.

Find the direction that’s most important in your career. It could be up, across, deeper or somewhere completely different.