Is Your Job Title Holding You Back?
Life Events
A Heart-to-Heart with Indian MNCs
Ever felt like your job title is more of a fancy name tag than a real reflection of what you actually do? Like “Senior Software Engineer” when you’re practically running a whole project, or “Assistant Manager” when you’re managing a team twice your size? In Indian MNCs, this can sometimes be a bit of a funny dance, can’t it? Let’s talk about why that seemingly important job title might actually be your career’s worst enemy.
We all love a good designation, right? It feels fantastic to tell your relatives at a family gathering, “Oh, I’m a ‘Lead Architect’ at XYZ Corp!” or proudly update your LinkedIn. For many of us in India, a good job title also carries a certain social weight. It’s often linked to how people see your success, and sometimes, even marriage prospects! (Yes, seriously, it’s a thing!)
But here’s the twist: focusing too much on that shiny title can actually limit your growth in a big company. Especially in MNCs, where things can sometimes be a bit hierarchical, people might get stuck thinking, “I’m a ‘Manager,’ so I only do manager things.”
It’s like putting yourself in a tiny box.
The “Box” Effect and Missing Out
When you’re obsessed with your title, you often put yourself in a tiny box. You might miss out on chances to learn new things or work on exciting projects that fall outside your “official” job description. Imagine you’re a Marketing Executive. You might be super creative and great at content creation, but if a cool new digital campaign needs someone with fresh ideas, and you stick to only what a “Marketing Executive” traditionally does, you could miss out on a huge learning opportunity. It’s like saying, “My job description doesn’t include ‘awesome idea generator,’ so I’ll just sit here!”
Skills Over Labels: What You Can Do Matters More
Many Indian MNCs, particularly the large IT companies such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, are gradually adopting a “skills-first” approach. They’re realizing that what you can do is way more important than what your email signature says. They need folks who are adaptable, can solve problems, and can wear multiple hats. For example, a company might need someone with strong data analysis skills for a new project. They’re less concerned if your title is “Business Analyst” or “Project Coordinator” — if you have the skills, you’re in! Your ability to contribute effectively is what truly counts.
The “Ladder” Trap: Is It the Only Way Up?
We’re all taught to climb the corporate ladder, right? From “Analyst” to “Senior Analyst” to “Team Lead” and so on. But what if your true calling is a bit sideways? What if you’re a fantastic developer who’d actually thrive more in a product management role, even if it means a temporary shift in “seniority”? If you only eye the next rung on the same ladder, you might miss a completely different, more fulfilling path. Many companies, like Ericsson in India, are now helping employees create “career portfolios” which are more about your diverse experiences and skills rather than just a linear, upward path. It’s about building a richer, more varied career story.
“Dry Promotions” and the Ego Boost That Falls Flat
Sometimes, companies offer a “dry promotion” — a fancy new title but no real change in salary or responsibilities. While it might give your ego a temporary boost, it doesn’t really push your career forward. True growth comes from tackling new challenges, learning new skills, and adding real value, not just from a word change on your business card.
It’s like getting a new wrapper on an empty box. It looks good, but doesn’t offer much substance.
So, What Can You Do?
Instead of getting hung up on that job title, let’s focus on what really helps us grow:
- Skills, Skills, Skills!: What are you good at? What do you want to be good at? Invest in learning new skills, even if they seem unrelated to your current title. Take online courses, volunteer for different projects, or even mentor juniors.
- Impact Matters: How are you making a difference in your team or company? Are you solving problems? Are you bringing in new ideas? Focus on the impact you create, not just the tasks tied to your title.
- Networking, Indian Style: In Indian workplaces, relationships are key. Build good connections with people across different teams and departments. You never know where your next big opportunity might come from. A casual chat over chai can open doors that a formal job application might not.
- Be Flexible: The world of work is changing super fast. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone or taking on a project that doesn’t immediately “fit” your current designation.
Your career isn’t a linear path with fixed signposts. It’s more like a winding river with many exciting tributaries. Don’t let a simple job title dictate your journey. Focus on what you do, what you learn, and the impact you make. That’s where your true growth lies, title or no title!
What are your thoughts on job titles? Have you ever felt limited by yours, or found freedom by looking beyond it? Share your experiences!
