The Career Transition Archetypes
Archetype 1: The Vertical Climb Same function, higher level - Marketing Manager → Marketing Director - Senior Engineer → Staff Engineer - Analyst → Senior Analyst
Typical gain: 20-40%
Archetype 2: The Lateral Leap Similar level, new industry/company - Retail Marketing → Tech Marketing - Big 4 Consulting → Corporate Strategy - Traditional Media → Digital Media
Typical gain: 15-30%
Archetype 3: The Diagonal Jump New function leveraging existing skills - Engineer → Product Manager - Consultant → Entrepreneur in Residence - Sales → Customer Success
Typical gain: 30-60%
Archetype 4: The Transformation Play Complete reinvention with strategic bridge - Accountant → FP&A → Strategy → CEO - Developer → Solutions Architect → CTO - HR Manager → Change Management → COO
Typical gain: 100-200% over 5 years
James's Transformation Journey: 1. Staff Accountant ($75K) → Senior Accountant ($85K): Vertical 2. Senior Accountant → FP&A Manager at startup ($110K): Diagonal 3. FP&A Manager → Finance Director at growth company ($165K): Vertical
Total gain: 120% in 5 years
The Transition Timing Matrix
When to Stay: - Rapid learning curve still steep - Promotion imminent (<6 months) - Equity vesting cliff approaching - Unique project/credential opportunity - Market conditions unfavorable
When to Explore: - Learning curve flattening - Promotion path blocked - Compensation below market - Company/industry declining - Better opportunities emerging
When to Act: - Multiple superior offers - Skills becoming commoditized - Cultural misalignment - Limited growth potential - Market timing optimal
Rebecca's Timing Analysis: - 8 years in role: ❌ Too long - No promotion path: ❌ Blocked - Below market pay: ❌ Underpaid - Industry consolidating: ❌ Declining - Skills still relevant: ✓ Transferable
Decision: Immediate transition needed