Does it really get more contentious the higher you go in corporate

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am ragged out. Got a senior director
promotion 2 years ago and I dont know
if it's just the times, but it feels most of my work relationships and meetings are getting more contentious. Less civil. More game of thrones. Like people are happy to see competitors fail, even at the expense of the entire industry. Meetings feel like pissing contests eveey single time. I dont even want to play because I just find it so distasteful. Both my parents were working class so I have no exposure to these types of interactions. Curious if other people are seeing similar and what did you do to survive. I had previously wanted to own my own line as a VP but now I am not sure

Thank you.

My dad is a retired VP. He made money. I am not sure if he is happy today..His wife(my mom) certainly isn't. We (his kids) aren't that thrilled to be around him. That position turned him into a monster. He is very poor health despite being only 70.

Is it really worth it to be the guy with one of the biggest d**k in the room? I don't know man

I yell at my kids more. I apologize. Paragraph 2 is exactly where I am

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

PP. You're welcome. It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections. It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot. It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school. I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance. My peer is a VP and only has a dog. I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having. I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids). My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom. They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work. Kids know love when they see it.

[Anonymous]

Generally yes. eat or be eaten mentality is alive and pervasive

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

PP. You're welcome. It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections. It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot. It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school. I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance. My peer is a VP and only has a dog. I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having. I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids). My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom. They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work. Kids know love when they see it.

I’m sure the successful VP would absolutely NOT want your life as you flatlined and having the dog is awesome! Sounds like she has a great life and values her freedom. She has won at life!👍

[Anonymous]

Why is this hard to believe? I was in a job that paid pretty well. We had 800 people in firm. There are only at best 10 high paid jobs. The SVP/EVP/C level jobs.

So 790 people below you all want your jobs and more than happy to see you fail.

I adddition a new CEO comes in he wants his people and since there are only now 9 high paid jobs as he has one of 10 he now wants to force as many of the 9 our to bring his people in.

And if a merger the bigger company wants their people at top.

And if a financial crisis or scandal the top 10 heads might be chopped of to make board and investors happy.

Or simply you cant keep up or in my case just get a string of bad staff once that did me in. I got a bit lazy as had amazing staff. Switched jobs and the staff was so bad I spent the days putting out fire drills, hiring and firing, PIPs dealing with fall out but by time I got the great staff in and area running smooth the damage was done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

PP. You're welcome. It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections. It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot. It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school. I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance. My peer is a VP and only has a dog. I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having. I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids). My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom. They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work. Kids know love when they see it.

Highly doubt things will work out as you expect. I say that as my wifes Mom had a easy full time job growing up as was 9-5pm and five minutes from house. She resented her Mother a lot for working. Walking home from games by her self, being at games after school no one in stands, getting flu at school and having to walk home in rain deadly sick. Her Dad had a 50 hour a week job so not around much. Then her Mom had a third kid ten years younger than her and her Mom forced her and sister into beting the baby sitter for that kid all summer and after school while she worked. She swore she would never do that to her children. So she was a SAHM.

My wife thinks if her Mom was a SAHM she most likely would have not stayed home with kids. But her experience of her Mom doing it was awful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I disagree that things are more contentious.

I think at more senior levels, people are more focused on important work decisions. They will cut to the chase. Less niceties. A more pragmatic reality of goals, requirements, limitations, etc. They are also the people who have been promoted already, so have demonstrated they are already able to focus on these things and ignore a lot of the soft topics at work.

Some personality types are going to interpret this as contentious, mean, vicious, cruel. Other people don't, and can separate the task at hand from emotions. I am the latter - i am not bothered by convos that lack niceties and is facing hard questions. But i've certainly had friends and colleagues over the years who would be horrified by those interactions. Those people tend not to get to senior levels in corporates, tbh.

Thanks so much for this. I am also questioning myself if I am just not cut out for this, too green, too naive. I'm just appalled how people would let someone sign off on a project they already know will be doomed to fail so they can kick that person out. I tried to call it out and then I was told I was not strategic. I expressed concern about the expense that project would cost the company, including the aftermath and I was laughed at and *mildly* threatened to be booted out as well

No one at those levels can be trusted. They put on a great face of being chummy but believe me are all too eager to throw ANYONE under the bus if it means more goodies for them.

A high percentage of corporate executives are psychopaths. Not hard to see why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I disagree that things are more contentious.

I think at more senior levels, people are more focused on important work decisions. They will cut to the chase. Less niceties. A more pragmatic reality of goals, requirements, limitations, etc. They are also the people who have been promoted already, so have demonstrated they are already able to focus on these things and ignore a lot of the soft topics at work.

Some personality types are going to interpret this as contentious, mean, vicious, cruel. Other people don't, and can separate the task at hand from emotions. I am the latter - i am not bothered by convos that lack niceties and is facing hard questions. But i've certainly had friends and colleagues over the years who would be horrified by those interactions. Those people tend not to get to senior levels in corporates, tbh.

Agreed with this.

Also, it very much depends on the organizational culture. Some places are full of competitive jerks, others don't tolerate that. I got lucky and found the latter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

PP. You're welcome. It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections. It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot. It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school. I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance. My peer is a VP and only has a dog. I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having. I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids). My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom. They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work. Kids know love when they see it.

Highly doubt things will work out as you expect. I say that as my wifes Mom had a easy full time job growing up as was 9-5pm and five minutes from house. She resented her Mother a lot for working. Walking home from games by her self, being at games after school no one in stands, getting flu at school and having to walk home in rain deadly sick. Her Dad had a 50 hour a week job so not around much. Then her Mom had a third kid ten years younger than her and her Mom forced her and sister into beting the baby sitter for that kid all summer and after school while she worked. She swore she would never do that to her children. So she was a SAHM.

My wife thinks if her Mom was a SAHM she most likely would have not stayed home with kids. But her experience of her Mom doing it was awful.

Oh come on. Your wife is ridiculous or you don’t have the whole 9-5 story. Her mom worked 5 min from home, had mornings free to walk her daughter to school, and worked till 5pm. That’s pretty cushy. Clearly being the babysitter to the younger sibling did it. Blame the parental decisions here (like not signing up for camp) not the fact that mom worked. It takes effort to figure out what works best for the family and her parents didn’t figure it out. There are a bunch of other answers than must be a SAHM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

PP. You're welcome. It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections. It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot. It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school. I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance. My peer is a VP and only has a dog. I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having. I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids). My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom. They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work. Kids know love when they see it.

I’m sure the successful VP would absolutely NOT want your life as you flatlined and having the dog is awesome! Sounds like she has a great life and values her freedom. She has won at life!👍

I'll never know. She looks a lot older and more tired compared to me. She doesn't seem to have made many personal friends at work in 20+ years. Compared to the male executives, who look out for others in the old boy's club, she doesn't surround herself with her network. And she's not famous in the industry either. So basically at retirement, she will also be easily replaced. So it's mostly just $$$$. Her relatives will probably enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

PP. You're welcome. It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections. It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot. It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school. I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance. My peer is a VP and only has a dog. I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having. I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids). My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom. They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work. Kids know love when they see it.

Highly doubt things will work out as you expect. I say that as my wifes Mom had a easy full time job growing up as was 9-5pm and five minutes from house. She resented her Mother a lot for working. Walking home from games by her self, being at games after school no one in stands, getting flu at school and having to walk home in rain deadly sick. Her Dad had a 50 hour a week job so not around much. Then her Mom had a third kid ten years younger than her and her Mom forced her and sister into beting the baby sitter for that kid all summer and after school while she worked. She swore she would never do that to her children. So she was a SAHM.

My wife thinks if her Mom was a SAHM she most likely would have not stayed home with kids. But her experience of her Mom doing it was awful.

My kids have nothing in common with your wife's bad experiences as you describe them. So your doomsaying is kind of valueless.

[Anonymous]

The smart way to do things is to live below your means, find a job that pays well with minimal demands, and just chill out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. You might like the book "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall. Or you can just read the AI summary, lol.

Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers is a 1988 non-fiction book by sociologist Robert Jackall that examines the moral and social world of corporate managers in the United States. Based on fieldwork and interviews, the book argues that corporate bureaucracy shapes managers' moral consciousness, leading to a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where personal integrity is often compromised for success. Key findings include the importance of public performance, the manipulation of symbols, and the intense competition for status within these organizations.

Key themes and findings

Bureaucracy and moral consciousness: Jackall argues that the structure of large corporations regularizes daily life, subordinates individuals to authority, and fosters a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset that can lead to a compromise of conventional morality.

Public performance: Managers must maintain a "cheerfully-bland public face" while hiding their true intentions and engaging in intense competition. This involves a form of "emotional labor" where they sublimate their own needs to meet the demands of others.

Pragmatism over principle: In this environment, moral questions are often treated as practical concerns or public relations issues, and success depends on a manager's ability to be a "dexterous symbol manipulator".

Competition and hierarchy: The corporate world creates an elaborate status hierarchy that fuels intense competition for prestige, making organizational rules and procedures paramount guides for behavior.

The "moral maze": The title reflects the idea that managers must navigate a complex and often contradictory environment where they are constantly making compromises to succeed, leading them to question how to maintain personal integrity.

Appreciate this very much. Thank you

PP. You're welcome. It is a book about old school F500 corporations but makes general sociological connections. It was recommended by a Purdue professor of engineering ethics who gave a talk at my employer's main R&D facility.

I liked the book a lot. It pretty much concludes that corporate life is inherently feudal.

My most successful peer female MBA went to a top b-school. I went to one in the Top 20. My career has flatlined. I have well-adjusted kids who love me and value my guidance. My peer is a VP and only has a dog. I've known her since kids were something we both spoke of having. I wouldn't trade places.

Your kids won't think you're a D unless you treat your family badly (spouse as well as kids). My kids were fairly accepting of having a working mom. They are both boys so I think it's good that my future DIL's will have had a path blazed for them IF they want to work. Kids know love when they see it.

Highly doubt things will work out as you expect. I say that as my wifes Mom had a easy full time job growing up as was 9-5pm and five minutes from house. She resented her Mother a lot for working. Walking home from games by her self, being at games after school no one in stands, getting flu at school and having to walk home in rain deadly sick. Her Dad had a 50 hour a week job so not around much. Then her Mom had a third kid ten years younger than her and her Mom forced her and sister into beting the baby sitter for that kid all summer and after school while she worked. She swore she would never do that to her children. So she was a SAHM.

My wife thinks if her Mom was a SAHM she most likely would have not stayed home with kids. But her experience of her Mom doing it was awful.

Sounds to me like you just married a lazy dud. And she’s trying to blame it on her mom working 9-5.

[Anonymous]

VP plus here (at my co, there is a middle step up). It’s fine. People are competitive and silly and become obsessed with appearances, but I don’t want anything higher so I’m fairly relaxed compared to others. I’ve also saved a lot so when I am put out to pasture, I’ll be fine.

Woman here fwiw. The toughest years were when my dc were little and I was divorced. I put work before them. We all survived.