I had a friend/coworker that was a top five most valuable employee in a software company of 500 and didn't seem to realize it. They called him in for every critical project, to bail out failing projects, and to help with hiring. He was client facing, technical, and co-workers followed his every word.

As middle management, I knew he made a lot less than me and others in his position. I told him it was ridiculous. He finally asked for a raise and they offered something paltry, saying it was the best they could do. My friend finally quit. Suddenly the company can easily match a 60% pay raise. Too late.

I know first hand there loss cost the company millions. I followed suit not much later and frabbed a nice 30% raise. All of my clients have since abandoned the company. They're down to less than 200 employees last I heard and fuck all for revenue.

Get paid what you're worth.

Everybody can be replaced. However, the replacement might cost more than you expect.

You did absolutely right. A company that treats their employees like that deserve no good employees. Or to exist at all.

Funny that. I had a boss who had senoritied into a role he wasn't really qualified for. And after furlough, he too said something about me and another colleague being expendable. I had a new job offer within a month. From what I heard, covering/replacing me did not go well at all.

New gig had it's own problems, but they genuinely appreciated me.

If your were officially furloughed and boss was claiming on any schemes for that it is fraud to ask you to work during furlough