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> If you’re doing what you’re told to do, they are paying you too much.

Not keen on this mindset. I’m glad to keep myself marketable, but that’s my business. My company’s business is: am I making what you want? Good. Pay me.

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then your career path would be severely limited. because frequently in many roles especially software development and engineering, the business needs are not well articulated. sometimes the business end does not know how to articulate them, sometimes they aren't aware of better technical solutions, etc. a valuable technical resource does not simply do what they're told - this can be done by any outsourced developer in india or vietnam, etc. a valuable technical resource also needs to try and understand what is the business objective and think and be able to research and propose potentially better solutions, and make recommendations for the betterment of the business. those are the kinds of people who get promoted into higher level roles that pay better. those are people who are not easily replaced.

I agree. When I hire a professional I expect them to tell me when what I want is wrong or tell me how it can be done in a better way.

IME some organizations are just not open to alternative suggestions. Some genuinely just want people to do exactly as they’re told and work within the limitations of their system without question. This is IMO the worst type of organization to work for. Even in these environments, I would hope that people speak up.

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