FTA, a take on entry/mid/senior level distinctions I haven't heard before:
"If you are the guy asking for help from people below, to your side, and above you, you’re probably an entry-level engineer. If you frequently need support from those above you (excluding C-level and executive support, that my friends are a whole new level of hell), there’s a good chance you are a mid-level engineer. If you find yourself supporting and being supported by those at your side, you are likely a senior or lead level engineer."
In fact it's very accurate. This is what distinguishes a true senior/10x engineer from a "ninja" or a "rockstar"; they are force mulitpliers and they make everybody around them 10x more productive.
This also suggests what C-levels are supposed to be doing: providing the vision and culture that actually fosters this kind of mutual web of support.
I've heard a similar thing but phrased as what frustrates you in you work most. It's a bit more cynical.
Basically: If you're frustrated by your work... probably junior. If you're frustrated by your colleagues... probably mid-level. If you're frustrated by too much management... probably senior. If you're frustrated by too little management... probably lead.
I think about it in relation to how much responsibility each person in the team is comfortable taking.
If you're responsible to solve tickets, you're probably junior. If you're responsible for implementing features, mid. If you're responsible for making sure the whole project will work in time for delivery, senior. And if you're responsible for making sure your team can deliver the project on time, lead.
"If you are the guy asking for help from people below, to your side, and above you, you’re probably an entry-level engineer. If you frequently need support from those above you (excluding C-level and executive support, that my friends are a whole new level of hell), there’s a good chance you are a mid-level engineer. If you find yourself supporting and being supported by those at your side, you are likely a senior or lead level engineer."