I could go into consulting or start my own business – the highs would be way higher, but the risk of lower lows even worse. On the other end of the spectrum, I

I could go into consulting or start my own business – the highs would be way higher, but the risk of lower lows even worse. On the other end of the spectrum, I could accept a 50%+ wage cut in exchange for an exceptionally stable job & a defined benefit pension. Even in the private sector my risk can vary: hyper aggressive startup that pays in equity, long-tenured industrial that has an OK salary and 401k. I'm a shade closer to the startup risk profile, but that's just me. Plenty of employees are entirely willing to stay on the conservative end of the scale & give up chances for big returns - heck, some even give up anything beyond marginal cost of living adjustments! - in exchange for working at a stable company that is slow to hire, slow to fire. But that's an exchange ... if company leadership isn't trusted, good employees won't take that deal because bad leadership = an unstable employer.