I learned the hard way that being called “valuable” doesn’t get you anywhere. You can be the best at your job, the one everyone depends on, and still never get promoted. It’s more than frustrating to feel trapped in your current role simply because you’re too essential where you are.
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"Too valuable" is the new "you're overqualified for this position". It's normally used as a way to layoff those over 40. Subtle age discrimination.
Being valuable and being promotable are entirely different. If you don't understand the difference, you need a better relationship with your mgr.
I was way too valuable to my manager and people I supported. I got payback when I left the company (on my terms, of course). I hear my manager hates me for leaving, so dad, too bad. Su-k it.
Promotions are the kiss of death.
That is why i do the minimum
nothing wrong with being valuable, but you don't want to be the gatekeeper of tribal knowledge too much. you want your team to think for themselves and not have to come to you each time there's a problem. empower your team while simultaneously being a seasoned veteran or sme. there's a difference.
it's all about balance. you can still be promoted if you're an sme or seasoned veteran in your team.
This comment is sad beyond belief.... CSCO has the mentality of junior high school. Please move onto a tech company that is crushing it with zero time or tolerance for childish behavior.
The mindset advocated means you have been infected with Cisco brainrot and need to leave ASAP to salvage your career. You're thinking like some apparatchik from the Soviet Union.
Don't be valuable to your manager. Be valuable to potential new managers.
Your manager isn't the one cutting these days as they need to protect team headcount to stay as a manager...orders from from way up and even your manager might get axed.
Do a great job. Do it for a long time. Save your money. Retire later.
This is a non-problem. Look at the unemployment numbers. Hang on tight.
So true! Seen this happen too often. You’re too critical to get promoted and stay stuck without anyone realizing you need a chance too.