haven't really done any execution-level work and have gotten way behind in their field and are just staying because of their past reputation, or their knowledge of a company or a unique process. And when they go to find more work in an environment like now where it's just slow hiring (but still low unemployment) then they are competing with people that are more energetic, hungrier and can actually do the work. People that earn 200-500k are on average IMO the most likely to be largely a waste of money in a company. Not that everyone is, it's just a lot of middle managers disappear in that range and do nothing of substance. It sucks when they realize it too late and have happen like that guy. I've seen it with a handful of my own network recently.