I took some time to internalize this counter-intuitive advice.
Most people try to become an indispensable part of the projects they’re working on. They think that as long as there’s a dependency on them for completing a project, they’re valuable. So they keep a hold on their work. I’m guilty of this attachment as well. That’s what I was told by seniors.
If I’m redundant, I risk losing my job.
Nope. It’s the other way around. You are more valuable if all your current work has been documented and a new person can take the baton from you at any time. Say there comes a new project which matches your interests. You’ll not be able to pick it up because you’re tied to your current work.
But I can do this project better than anyone!
Sure. Ask yourself this: Do you want to continue doing the same thing? You’ll likely hit a learning plateau soon. Make a conscious choice. If you want to grow, you need to let go of your ego and train others to do what you’ve been doing.
Making yourself redundant gets you promoted faster.