In a recent LinkedIn post, Ehsan Ali challenges a long-held belief about career progression: the idea that unwavering dedication and absorbing all responsibilities makes one indispensable. Ali argues that this mindset, often ingrained from past generations, can paradoxically hinder professional growth in today’s market, particularly for senior IT professionals.
Ali begins by confronting the uncomfortable truth that most employees are, in fact, replaceable. This sentiment is particularly poignant for those who have consistently stayed late, absorbed extra work, and prioritized their job above personal commitments, believing this is the path to security and advancement.
“The loyalty that kept our parents safe in survival mode is the exact thing keeping us stuck in growth mode.”
The post highlights a generational shift in what constitutes professional value. Ali observes that while previous generations, like their parents who built lives in new countries, focused on being indispensable through sheer hard work and sacrifice, the modern professional landscape demands a different approach.
Shifting from Availability to Decision-Making
A core theme in Ali’s analysis is the distinction between being available and being valuable. The post points out that long hours and constant problem-solving, while often equated with commitment, do not necessarily translate to higher compensation or career advancement in senior roles.
Ali contrasts the actions of those who remain stuck with those who are advancing. The key difference, according to Ali, lies not in working harder, but in strategic decision-making.
“The people above you aren’t working harder. They stopped absorbing everything. They started deciding what mattered.”
This strategic approach, Ali suggests, is what commands higher salaries in senior IT positions. It’s not about being the person who never drops the ball, but the one who intelligently decides which balls are worth catching.
Redefining Seniority and Leadership
The post directly tackles the misconception that constant availability equates to seniority or that reliability automatically confers leadership. Ali contends that these are outdated metrics.
“Availability is not seniority. Reliability is not leadership.”
Instead, Ali advocates for a shift in focus from absorbing tasks to making critical decisions about where to direct effort and resources. This involves understanding the market’s true value drivers, which often prioritize strategic impact over sheer output.
The Changing Rules of the Game
Ali emphasizes that many professionals are not failing due to a lack of work ethic, but because they are operating under an outdated rulebook. The skills and behaviors that ensured job security for one generation may now be a barrier to growth for the next.
The author encourages readers to recognize when the ‘armor’ of constant absorption is no longer serving them. The advice is to adapt to the evolved demands of the senior IT career market, where strategic decision-making and focused impact are paramount.
“The market doesn’t pay $300K for the person who never drops the ball. It pays $300K for the person who decides which balls matter.”
By sharing these insights, Ehsan Ali aims to help seasoned IT professionals re-evaluate their career strategies, moving beyond a survival-mode mentality to one that embraces strategic influence and higher-level decision-making, ultimately unlocking greater career potential.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ehsan Ali on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 15, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →