That was fantastic Carr! Well said Joker, at least for the aviation career and group type compensated “professionals.”
Professionals such as Doctors (specialists) and Lawyers negotiate their salaries based upon experience/longevity and not so much group think. They don’t fall to the bottom every time they shift jobs/locations. Father was a neurosurgeon which is a totally different lifestyle.
As a whole - we are independent contractors bound by a seniority system; therefore, we lose our minds. Most do the same type of work/flying and are not compensated on their true experience level individually. Many wish they were, some lucky they didn’t.
Still fortunate to be in this community having many folks on the outside looking in based upon how long my vehicle stays parked at home, especially over the holidays.