If you’re a URM and someone tells you that titles don’t matter, odds are they haven’t been in a position where they’ve had to make themselves be heard.

As someone who wasn’t labeled a “senior” engineer until recently... my experience has been that titles 100% do matter

Some concrete quality of life changes since I’ve had this fancy new title:

- as a non-senior I spent hours each month documenting all the work I did and how that related to the career ladder. I have that time back now to actually do product work (and mentor, which is fun!)

- when I did extra things like DEI work that I care about (but wasn’t on the career matrix) I got feedback about a scant technical track record. But I did the tech work! It’s just that... my other work was more visible and that’s why ppl chose to give (glowing!) feedback about.

With a senior title, I’ve felt more trusted to spread my time across execution, planning, and extracurriculars without worrying about non-tech feedback crowding our technical feedback. I think it’s because ppl start with the assumption that I know what I’m doing now.

- I waste less energy and time editing my words when giving feedback. As a non-senior I was terrified of offending people, and spent 10 extra cycles making sure my language was friendly — often losing clarity in the process. My intentions are more generously interpreted now.