Horizontal mobility
Horizontal mobility means moving from one job to another at the same level, without moving up or down the career ladder. Imagine that you are playing a game where you have to climb levels to reach the goal. Now, let’s say you move from one level to another that is equal in height, without climbing up or down. This is what horizontal mobility is like in the world of work.
For example, if you are a cashier in a store, and you move to become a waiter in a restaurant, you are experiencing horizontal mobility. You are still doing a similar job that requires similar skills and pays the same amount of money. You are not moving up to a higher position with more responsibilities or moving down to a lower-paying job.
Horizontal mobility can be beneficial because it provides an opportunity to learn new skills, work in different environments, and gain new experiences without disrupting your current level on the career ladder. It can also prevent boredom and burnout by providing variety in your work.
However, some people may feel like they are stuck in a job without the opportunity for advancement or may feel unfulfilled if they desire more challenges or responsibility. In these cases, vertical mobility (moving up or down the career ladder) may be a better option.
For example, if you are a cashier in a store, and you move to become a waiter in a restaurant, you are experiencing horizontal mobility. You are still doing a similar job that requires similar skills and pays the same amount of money. You are not moving up to a higher position with more responsibilities or moving down to a lower-paying job.
Horizontal mobility can be beneficial because it provides an opportunity to learn new skills, work in different environments, and gain new experiences without disrupting your current level on the career ladder. It can also prevent boredom and burnout by providing variety in your work.
However, some people may feel like they are stuck in a job without the opportunity for advancement or may feel unfulfilled if they desire more challenges or responsibility. In these cases, vertical mobility (moving up or down the career ladder) may be a better option.