Indeed. Whilst I don't believe you can get anywhere in life without working hard, I also agree that you cannot get to the top of the corporate ladder based on just your ability. More often than not, it's about playing the game, influence, whether you "fit", company politics etc and there are instances where people do "fail up" organisations.

£300k by anyone's standards is a very decent income. There have been two threads on the London board recently about living in London on significantly less than £300k. Someone who earns £300k may not have much left in the bank at the end of the month, but that's because they've bought a lifestyle that matches their income.

As for people who choose not to take the initiative to advance themselves, yes people choose to do this, but this is often an informed and considered choice, not one made out of laziness or ignorance. Lucrative senior roles may be well paid, but they can also come at a cost in terms of health and family life. One former colleague of mine stepped down from a very senior management role in a large City firm, and afterwards it was quite remarkable to see how much more relaxed and healthy he looked and how he seemed to actually enjoy what he did for a change.