My view is that we shouldn’t be punished because the execs are mismanaging the company…but what do I know?

Your view is, IMHO, exactly right. Unfortunately, a lot of corporations tend to let their workers suffer for the mistakes the higher-ups committed. Even if they are what really keeps the business running…

If this mismanagement has affirmed your decision to leave the company, I say it’s a good idea. Your workforce is the most valuable thing they get from you; and if they don’t honour it, I say let them suffer the consequences by directing your efforts elsewhere. I know unions aren’t as big in the USA as they are over here in Germany, but I personally consider joining at least one that has the working people’s best interests in mind. Perhaps there’s something you can join that’s directly related to your field of work, if such things exist in the US? We have “Berufsfachverbände” over here, e.g. they cater to workers in the steel industry, healthcare, and so on. And perhaps you can find a company that won’t pressure you to stay out of unions and actually cares about their workers. I seriously wish you all the best in your efforts to find a better job.

Personally, changing jobs at the end of the last year and starting anew in January 2024 was one of the best decisions of my life. It’s hard, mentally draining and involves lots of elbow grease. But in the end, it’s so worth it!