> It's hard not to be cynical when the risk and time investment is on our side while the profits are on their side. I guess we just don't see things the same w

> It's hard not to be cynical when the risk and time investment is on our side while the profits are on their side. I guess we just don't see things the same way. I'm not a business owner. You're seeing things black and white. "The profits are on their side" is a black and white statement. You do get some of the profits through your salary and sometimes bonus, stock options or RSUs (depending on the company). It sounds like you're unhappy with your share that you don't feel is worth doing any "extra" effort. See my other comments here. You need to find companies where you feel this balance is fair, so you don't get taken advantage of. > You want us to "work hard" for the chance of getting a raise or a promotion? We're working, not playing the lottery. If we wanted these risks, we'd start a company. I don't want you to do anything. I am just sharing my experience getting promoted and then as a manager how I have seen other people get promoted. You're free to take or dismiss my experience of course. You're severely misunderstanding magnitudes of risk. I was only a "business owner" for a brief period early in my career. I did not get a salary at all when I did not make a sell or found a customer, no social security, vacations, or any benefits to speak of. That is way closer to "playing the lottery". I did not have a good social safety net and decided to become an employee. As an employee you get a "guaranteed" salary and benefits for doing some work most of the times for white collar workers in fixed schedule. A "cushy job". You don't get a guaranteed promotion or more salary for the same work however. Do you really think you're owed promotions or increased benefits for doing the same work? > How about these managers write down these rewards in the employment contract instead? What do you imagine they'd write? what kind of guarantees about increased salary or promotions do you think they can make in a contract?