rank inflation

Sometimes I can't help feeling that some local companies like to "inflate" their employees' rank. Is that one way to make them happy and keep them in the company?

Take for example, a newbie with no prior industry experience, after sticking with the company for 1-2 years, he becomes a senior engineer. In some cases, 3 years with the company and he becomes principal engineer. But does he live up to the name?

On the contrary, I've dealt with some consultants from Europe. Hands-on experience as apprentice and then wealth of experience in their area of expertise, 40 odd years old and bear the name of senior consultant. One point to note, they don't serve national service and therefore, could have spent more time in the sector. In other oversea companies, you are only graduate engineer until 2 years down the road, then you qualify to be called engineer.

To be honest, I did feel a little neglected before. But after a while, I realize, that's just a name. What's the point of people calling you Your Highness or His Excellency if you can't do work for nuts? It is like how I suspect some hawkers are better at logistic chain than some production plant managers.

If you hold a humble position but you outperform the higher brass, you can be proud and give yourself a pat on the back. If your hand can reach, that is. No one can dispute self-recognition.