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The original was posted on /r/antiwork by /u/OptimistPrimeBarista on 2025-02-24 03:12:15+00:00.

For context, seniority in title ascends from Specialist 1 → Specialist 2 → Specialist 3 → Senior Specialist → Manager.

I started my current role as a Specialist 2 four years ago after graduating college with a relevant degree. Up until January 2025, I had been the only person on my team who focuses on my specific area of expertise, so I’ve been responsible for leading a lot of projects autonomously. Every year, more and more responsibilities are added onto my plate outside of my initial job description. Every year, my company would go through a major change around the performance management cycle, and I’ve only ever received merit raises and bonuses. Nothing major. 

Last year, I asked my boss what my next step is since I’d felt like I earned a promotion/raise. She told me, “Well, when you first joined the company, your experience aligned more so with a Specialist 1 but we hired you as a Specialist 2 so we could meet your salary requirements. At this point, you’re catching up to your Specialist 2 title.”

Okay, fair enough. I’ll try again next year. Surely I’ll have met the requirements for a Specialist 3. I took on senior-level responsibilities that only someone 5+ years into their career would experience, and I succeeded and did really well.

A couple weeks ago, I asked my boss about the next step. She told me that the company that acquired ours doesn’t have the same title structure, so I can’t be a Specialist 3 since it doesn’t exist. “And besides, remember our last discussion? You really should’ve been hired as a Specialist 1 to begin with. If you were to pursue other opportunities, you’d likely only meet the qualifications for a Specialist 2 role. Title doesn’t really matter, though.” 

Well, I’m officially out. I accepted a senior global role earning a substantial increase in salary. The hiring team already knew me and held off on publishing the job opening until they knew whether I was interested. I gave my notice, and my boss said, “well, that’s a shame because I really fought hard for your bonus this year.” I told her it wasn’t even a factor in my decision.

Instead of living paycheck to paycheck while she earns over $215k, I’ll be able to pay off my student loans within two years, buy a house, and save for retirement. That’s so much more valuable to me.

Byeeeeeee.