Job Titles Are ‘Facades’ Without Equity, Argues Simonsquibb on LinkedIn

In a recent LinkedIn post, Simonsquibb challenges the conventional emphasis placed on job titles within the business world, arguing that they often serve as hollow symbols of status rather than indicators of true value or freedom. Simonsquibb contends that companies use titles as a low-cost alternative to granting meaningful rewards like equity, ultimately leaving employees vulnerable to automation and corporate shifts.

The post begins with a provocative statement: “UNPOPULAR OPINION… Your job title doesn’t matter.” Simonsquibb elaborates on this by observing a common tendency among professionals to introduce themselves by their LinkedIn header rather than their contributions or skills. This, according to Simonsquibb, highlights how titles can become a crutch, a substitute for genuine autonomy and recognition.

“But a title is just a facade. It’s what the system gives you instead of freedom.”

The Illusion of Title-Based Value

Simonsquibb argues that the true measure of an individual’s value to a company lies not in their hierarchical position but in tangible rewards, specifically equity. The author points out that titles are inexpensive for companies to bestow, unlike stock options or profit-sharing, which represent a more significant investment in an employee’s commitment and success. This distinction is crucial, Simonsquibb suggests, especially in an era of accelerating technological advancement.

“No matter how fancy your title is, without equity you will still be replaced when AI does your job better than you,” Simonsquibb writes, emphasizing the precariousness of relying solely on a title for security. The author contrasts this with personal experience, noting that during the initial 18 months as “CEO” of Fluid, before any revenue was generated, the title itself held little significance.

Focusing on What Truly Matters

Instead of chasing the next promotion or title bump, Simonsquibb advocates for a shift in focus towards more impactful elements of professional life. The author stresses the importance of the team, the customers, and the intrinsic value of the work itself. This perspective is framed as a path to building something substantial, rather than merely collecting accolades.

“People spend all their lives collecting titles and have nothing they’ve actually built.”

Simonsquibb draws a stark contrast between individuals who have dedicated their careers to climbing the corporate ladder and those who have prioritized building and creating, regardless of formal titles. The author highlights the potential anxiety faced by senior leaders whose positions might be threatened by future industry changes, while simultaneously pointing to younger individuals who, despite lacking traditional titles, have achieved significant financial freedom through their entrepreneurial ventures.

The Real Metrics of Success

The core message from Simonsquibb is a call to re-evaluate what constitutes professional success. The author suggests that optimizing for title progression is a misguided strategy that ultimately benefits the employer more than the employee. In Simonsquibb’s view, a title is a tool used by organizations to manage expectations and retain talent without relinquishing ownership or significant financial commitment.

“The title is what they give you so they don’t have to give you anything that’s actually yours.”

Simonsquibb’s analysis encourages professionals to seek roles and opportunities that offer genuine ownership and reward, rather than settling for the superficial validation of a job title. The underlying argument is that true professional fulfillment and security come from building tangible assets and securing a stake in one’s endeavors, a concept Simonsquibb believes is often overlooked in traditional career paths.