Misclassification consequences

The seeds for my outsourcing may have been laid earlier this year during a "role classification" process. As usual with these things, we received advanced PR regarding how wonderful this was: help with our career planning, grow into new roles, visibility to senior management, etc. etc. The reality: word suddenly came down that the whole process had to be completed in 2 1/2 days.

This was a little tough on our team since our manager was fairly new, only two months as our boss. Prior to that, we went over six months without a manager, our team caught in the middle of bureaucratic reshuffling. A little more time and thought in the process would have helped.

In any case, on short notice I met with my manager and received a "Technical Developer" classification. I was pleased with that, since the alternative was the non-technical "Business Analyst" role received by other team members. My manager implied I had received a typical classification; there was, in fact, also a "Senior Technical Developer" role; but I figured this was reserved for the few current Senior Consultant positions (only 1 in 100 technicians received).

Yesterday though, I received a shock when an organization chart was published showing everyone and their role. There were virtually no employee Technical Developer positions. This was confirmed by the Charlotte manager in an offhand remark, commenting on the "people strategy" to outsource most of the Technical Developer roles; however, "Senior Technical Developer" positions were safer.

This is borne out by the organization chart: of the 314 positions, there are only 6 Technical Developer employees. Any other Technical Developer is an Indian contractor. Most of the people I know were classified as Senior Technical Developer. But with my classification, I'm perceived as relatively junior, in the bottom tier.

I understand now why it's been tough to generate much interest in landing another position in my current area. Why waste time on a mere Technical Developer - they're a dime a dozen, just grab another Indian guy. If someone actually glances at my resume, they are probably puzzled at first glance that I actually have 28 years experience. But on the other hand, if after 28 years he's no more than a "Technical Developer"...

Crazy. Unjust. But the damage is done; all I can do is move on from here.


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