There are several trends in the corporate landscape today that combine to make the traditional path up the corporate ladder obsolete. More people are leaving the workforce each year than entering it. Family structures have changed significantly. Only 17% of families today fit the traditional one earner model. Women now make up 48% of the workers and increasingly men are less likely to sacrifice family and personal time for work. In my post on Mass Career Customization I discuss a pilot program that is being rolled out in Deloite and Touche which gives employees the opportunity to tailor their career path based on  four dimensions.  If you don't work for Deloitte, you can still apply some of the principles of this career strategy. A BNET editorial suggests that lateral moves are a creative way to build an exciting career. A lateral move is one where you take a different job at the same salary level for your current employer. Lateral moves are a great way to provide new learning experiences, new challenges and a broader understanding of the organization.  There are some pitfalls to watch out for. These include:

• Lateral moves must fit in with your company's corporate culture. If the senior managers have all achieved success by staying in one department, lateral moves may not be looked upon favorably.
• A lateral move should be part of your overall career strategy. Will the new assignment fill a gap in your skills and experience portfolio that will be needed for your next promotion?
• Do your homework and move into a growth area of your company, not one that is stagnant.