I already have to act like a dog - and pretend I'm thankful - for considerably less. Woe be the executive that actually has to work for their food, I guess. Give me a break.
Imagine the sentiment of someone below the executive suite working for a bankrupt company. No golden parachute or nest egg. No influence. Now you understand everyone else.
As for the non-executive workers, the more likely outcome is they get fired or lose benefits. This is because the company likely needs to shed costs really quickly and the biggest cost for most companies is payroll. This asymmetry of outcomes is stark and, quite frankly, sucks but the math checks out. Companies exist to create value and they will do what is needed to continue doing that. Compensation is not about fairness or putting food on the table. It is about what is required to help the company continue creating value.
The takeaway is to always have a sober assessment of your position. Take a look at the chessboard and figure out if you are a Queen or a pawn. Once you know where you stand, act accordingly.
Call it a strawman, but I'm absolutely certain plenty would be willing - if not thankful - for the opportunity. Even CEOs of successful businesses... if we want to reinforce systems. Nobody can until they get a chance.
Who doesn't love a good story, you know? Great risk comes great reward. Think of the type who becomes CEO, consider how they started. Where they may fall, either by grace or chance.
A company is about putting food on the table the moment it fails to, proverbially and not. I agree with you, we just play the game differently. Don't mistake my position for (in)experience or capability
Everyone has a plan until they get punched, some will do it for $20 million.
Think of your job and imagine the same job at completely dysfunctional company or company with terrible engineering. It's a reasonable expectation to demand more in the second company.