I'm not too familiar with the US workplace, but don't you have salary negotiations? Wouldn't you want more leverage for arguing for a higher salary, if you're unhappy with your salary? I'm also curious what work structure makes you feel like you're working for execs, rather than for your clients/customers/end-users. Surely you want the people who use your systems to have a smooth experience?
Making end users happy is a side effect. My own well being comes first.
You postulated this in another reply to me so I'll say here, why would I seek to make end users happy and work myself to the bone when leadership reaps the awards?
Even with salary negotiation there is almost no commensurate compensation you get under any employer that matches the value you bring to the company. That's how it's designed of course, by taking a base wage you trade off the risk of your income stream suddenly failing.
I am at that point now where that risk does not seem so scary anymore, which is odd to me. I never thought I'd consider taking the risk before. And I am learning that founders are usually driven by the feeling that I have.
Not really. American Corporations have successfully changed the culture to a point where asking about salary is considered a flaw to the worker. It somehow demonstrates a lack of loyalty.
Things are getting better, but HR still routinely preaches that you should never share your salary with anyone else. A lot of times they infer you will be fired for it.
Salary negotiations are sort of constrained to cost of annual living increases, or promotions. outside of that, you are not expected to ever talk about salary. ever.