Plan Your Career Progression — Guide to Different Career Mobility

Have you been working hard on your job, showing up on time, learning new things, and helping your team? Then you might be ready for the next step in your career.

Many people think they must wait until their annual performance review to ask their boss for a promotion. While that’s a good time, it’s not the only time. If you’ve been performing well and feel ready to take on more, you can speak to your manager earlier. Promotions are not just about titles—they’re about career growth, learning, and new opportunities.

But did you know that a career promotion doesn’t always mean becoming a manager? There are different ways to grow in your job, and each path can bring you closer to your goals. Here are four types of career mobility to consider:

1. Upward Mobility – Move Up in Your Job

This is the most common promotion. You move up from one role to a higher one—like Retail Assistant to Retail Supervisor, or Kitchen Crew to Team Leader. You’ll take on more responsibility and may lead others. This path helps you grow in confidence, leadership, and earn more salary.

✅ When to ask?
When you’ve been consistently doing well, helping others, solving problems, and are ready to lead.

2. Lateral Mobility – Try a Different Role

Sometimes, growing means learning something new. Lateral mobility means moving sideways to another job in a different role, brand, or department—without moving up or down. For example, moving from front-of-house to housekeeping department, or from barista to bartender within a company group.

This helps you learn new skills through in-house training, understand how the company works, and become more flexible. Employers value staff who can do different things!

✅ When to ask?
If you’re feeling bored, want to try something new, or want to explore a different career path.

3. Geographical Mobility – Work in a New Location

If your company has different outlets or branches, you might have the chance to move to a new location. This could be another country too. A change in location can give you fresh challenges and help you grow personally and professionally.

✅ When to ask?
When you’re open to ready to step out of your comfort zone and ready for other portfolio.

4. Functional Mobility – Change Your Job Focus

Maybe you’re currently in retail or F&B but studying something new—like Human Resources, IT, or Marketing. Functional mobility means moving into a different department that fits your new interests or studies.

This kind of move helps you build a long-term career in a new area, while still staying in the same company.

✅ When to ask?
When you’ve gained some knowledge or certification, and you’re ready for a new direction.

Career Progression Is for Everyone

No matter what your role is today, you deserve to grow. Career progression isn’t just for managers or professionals—it’s for anyone who’s willing to learn, adapt, and take initiative.

Before you ask for a promotion or new opportunity, take time to:

• Reflect and document on your achievements and performance
  
• Speak to your supervisor or HR
  
• Show your readiness to take on more
  

And remember—every small step forward is still a step up.

Believe in your value. The right opportunity might already be waiting—you just need to raise your hand.

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