Welcome to The CRC Team Channel.
I would encourage people to stop worrying about the incomes of others and more about how you can maximize your situation and earning potential. Too many people have irrational emotions about what certain positions make compared to their chosen profession. We forget that people are generally not just compensated for what they do, but the difficulty in replacement and impact on the financial outcome of the organization.
I believe that their are roles for everyone in our economy. But the reality is there are certain positions and fields that require more technical skills or interpersonal skills or creativity than what may generally be in the market. Naturally, those fields get paid more. More perks are available if there is more demand than available supply for a particular skill set. If you are in a field where people can be easily trained or colleges graduate thousands of prospective workers each year, then there is a good chance compensation will be lower over time. Especially if the area is a slow growth industry or public sector.
There are people who are perceived to be the lucky ones. Some people who may not appear to be very skillful or unique. But they may have found a new way to deliver something that provides greater convenience or perceived value. People should be rewarded for providing something of value to society that consumers are willing to pay for. That is what all people should be doing. People should find gaps in society and find solutions that will deliver value. Entrepreneurship and innovation are good for our economy and overall well being.
I generally agree with the sentiment when we see a company performing poorly then a CEO gets a raise while laying off staff. It is poor optics, despite the reality is that the company is probably just complying with the employment contract. But, the pool of CEO quality people is shallow compared to most fields. And proven ones will get top dollar. If you are the best or among the best in your field, then you will experience the benefits.
Excel at what you do or create something that generates value. Better options that being angry, resentful, and jealous. There is no value in that.
Part of the problem with income and compensation in our society is that many people are not well trained in how to advance their careers or professionally negotiate better wages. They fall for the trap that having less negotiation will lead to better outcomes. They are wrong.
There are many people who deserve and earned higher incomes but do not have the courage to face the discomfort of making the case to their leadership. Or even broaching that subject. Then they let their emotions get the better of them and make matters worse.
Companies want to manage the cost of labor. So they will generally not proactively offer higher compensation unless their is a legitimate fear that someone will get it elsewhere. No one pays more for anything if they do not have to. Just not human nature or the smart thing to do.
It is very important to not only know your worth to a company by tracking the value you create and account for any value you may be perceive to detract, that is important. But it also important to communicate it effectively to leadership as well as being aware of opportunities to offer that skill set in other organizations if need be.
Otherwise, the status quo will be the status quo.
