The key is likely that your experience and possibilities for unique contributions are being ignored and you're being used like someone just out of college. The

The key is likely that your experience and possibilities for unique contributions are being ignored and you're being used like someone just out of college. The "other path" others are so focused on is a red herring. This is a problem I see at tech companies generally. Your title and rank on some formalised ladder that some exec thought up are been used to determine what your contributions to the company can be. Contrast this with seeing what unique perspectives and contributions your experience can bring to a team. The company is leaving some amazing possibilities on the floor, because the system they've created has no place for individuals, only "headcount." I'll let you know what the solution to this is a soon as I find it. I'm already stagnant and wishing I could use my skills instead of checking boxes.