Thoughts on choice of work as an employee

You either want to be on the top or the bottom of the chain

The people at the top are playing a high stress game but also reaping good rewards. In addition, they have the ability to make things go their own way at least within their organization/department because the hold veto power at least in their domain.

The people at the bottom are easily replaceable, but also don't have much to loose. Depending on how badly they need their job, they could be fairly specialized in their role but also have relatively more job positions available in the market at their level. If they are good at what they do, they can dictate at least some conditions of what they're willing or not willing to do.

The people in the middle, in my opinion have a lot tougher job, they have to deal with shit from both their bosses and their high performing employees. Time in mid-level positions should be minimized.