There is some. I had million in options expire worthless. The last batch, just this week. I believed them into the grave.
But, it not exactly that however...just suckers...just labor and mgt. It is Risk and Reward top to bottom. A sucker is one the that sits there and takes orders and doesn't move up, out, over, etc. We call them job huggers. And they are typically over qualified and should be helping the company at a higher level. Retired on the job, they say.
My brother in law is a good example. In a big insurance company. A claims adjuster. Well and as a senior manager I've had to do this to people. It not pretty, but they get big bucks, so it is necessary to paint a picture for their benefit.
He should have become a senior adjuster and moved up, had a team, responsible for a dept. But, no. He sat on the laurels, went as a field adjuster, didn't like that. So, back in the office, they decided that tough management call, and piled on. If the guy won't lead a team, which they need, then they gave him the work of 5 people.
Now he is out sick..emotional breakdown from what they forced on him and his wimpiness that he did not tell them to shove it and move up/over/out.
Yet, he only has 90 days and it will be worse when he gets back.
So all you guys that are now the age I used to be, this is how our system works. You can get like me, so burrowed into a job that now one else wants (the best situation) I'm like a tick.
Until then take charge, move up, direct the work of other people when you become experienced. A thought leader is not the manager. I count on my thought leaders. Your bosses will reward you, as I do my leaders.