Reply #16: Writing a TV show is far more creative and far more competitive

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A tiny, tiny fraction of writers ever make it to the point of writing for a show like SpongeBob. Part of the reason why people take a gamble against a day job (like being a chemist) is to have a shot at some real financial success -- just like sports figures. Only the very best succeed.

Not to disparage being a chemist. It takes a lot of school and a lot of smarts. But it's relatively easy to get a good job, and my guess is that your relative's contribution to clear coat was: 1) similar to formulations that were already out there 2) the result of a team, not an individual, which relied heavily on existing PPG patents and equipment to ever see the light of day.

If his/her contribution was extremely unique it should be rewarded and rewarded well. If that type of clear coat has seen $12B in sales since then there should have been, at the least, a fat bonus and some stock options.