First off, it is not fair to compare with the corporate world.
In the corporate world, you can try to stand out from the crowd and be a rising star.
We pilots are not meant to be like this. We do our job good, or not. Very black-and white.
We are as well dispensable. If I call in sick, someone with the exact qualifications will be available within one hour.
So, it is a nice job, but we are not valued on our individual performance.
We are expected to be "On Standard", perform "By the Book" etc. Clones, if you will.
I do not lack self respect, but fail to see why I am so much better than many of my colleagues. So who's first to be promoted if seniority is not considered?