May because your boss sees you as an asset? As 'his' asset. And once you decide to grow out of that role, he'll slap you right back to 'where you belong'. I'm

May because your boss sees you as an asset? As 'his' asset. And once you decide to grow out of that role, he'll slap you right back to 'where you belong'. I'm being a bit uncharitable with my perception of your story, but it shouldn't be a stretch to believe that given how tech workers are generally perceived by 'business type folks'. As I see it, his response shows his complete disregard and lack of respect for you as anything other than 'his IT guy'. I'm way too proud to continue working with someone that thinks of me that way.