Quite right Liam, But, There are some unique aspects to our 'work life' that do not effect 'normal' executives: 1) We have a shorter (in general) length of career, and a defined end date - limiting earnings 2) Our monthly earning are limited legally by the number of hours we can work 3)Most importantly, we do not have the opportunity to transfer laterally between companies. We are inexorably 'married' to the seniority list. Changing employers results in a massive drop in pay. 4)Our career can be lost by many seemingly benign ailments/accidents, whereas anyone working in an office could continue. The best analogy is to the career of a professional athlete. We deserve exceptional pay and benefits that are appropriate to the risks we take. As in all things there should be the appropriate risk/reward relationship.