Lateral moves? I don't see anything wrong with them, if made for the right reasons, despite what the majority crowd might believe.
I was an FO on the 1900 at Colgan. Had a blast flying the Beech, but couldn't tolerate the company and the schedules. Commutting was a bitch. I either had to park at PHL and catch a flight to ALB, ($120 in parking for the week) or drive 3 1/2 hours to Albany. Because Colgan doesn't care or even try to make commutting easy, they wouldn't even pay for a parking pass at PHL or reimburse me. I was spending more money between driving/fuel/parking/crash pad/food etc. than I was making.
Most companies will give you a parking pass for one airport. It can either be at your base or an airport that you commute from. Colgan only gives you parking at your base. Whoopitidty doo.
I decided to look for a company that had a base close to home, a good commutter clause and a system where its actually easy to commute to work. I ended up getting hired at RAH, which was my first choice. I couldn't care less about what aircraft I'm flying, just put money in my pocket, good QOL and the opportunity to advance in the future. I ended up on the 170 and based at home. I nearly doubled my pay with the reduced expenses (I even packed a cooler for my trips). I was flying my tail off, 80-90hrs per month. It was easy to pick up open time, overtime etc. because I lived 30 mins. from the airport. Sitting reserve was easy as cake, right on my living room couch! The best part was after a long 4-day trip, once we landed I was home having dinner with my wife in less than an hour. You can't beat that. That is the QOL I'm talking about.
Some would say that because I'm furloughed now that it was a bad decision. I disagree. It was still a smart move to come to RAH from Colgan. If I stayed at Colgan, I might have upgraded by now, but other than the title, I'd still be miserable. Where are Regional Captains going right now? They're going nowhere. Sure, they're building time, but they're going nowhere. Majors aren't hiring, and I suspect they won't be for awhile. The regional's will pick up again before the Majors do.
I should be recalled back to work by the beginning of the year and when things swing around, I'll upgrade in a few years. I'm in no rush to get to the grave my friend. I'm just looking to have a job I enjoy and make decent money. Someday maybe I'll make it to a major, but my concern is the next 3-5yrs. Upgrading to the left seat and getting experience.
All depends on why you want to make a lateral move. For me, going to Republic was a no brainer. I can't even describe how much better this company is to work for and how they treat their employees. It's a company that fits me better and I enjoy(ed) working for them and will enjoy getting my recall letter soon.