Here's what I think.
If we were to want a women's issue section, it wouldn't start with this.
I've known Florine Mark before/ during/and after she became the corporation. (I dated her son. Briefly. Way briefly... I was 17 for God's sake.)
My guess is, the pay scale is her call all the way. Some people are like that. And that's why this smacks of big corporation/ politics.
On the other hand, when you say, “Caring work is undervalued, and they’re taking for granted that you care so much you’re going to be there no matter what.”... then I start thinking about nurses. As more men entered the profession (with steadily growing numbers) they've managed to make more money while doing this (often) thankless job. Now, this
is a concern:
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2013/02/25/male-nurses-make-more-money/I mean, are men really more valued? Or are men more likely to say something if they're dissatisfied? I don't know.
If you're not feeling valued as an employee, and you believe your abilities aren't commensurate with your pay, you should certainly leave.
I think they enjoy the constant feedback and maybe appreciation from the people they help, more than they let on. I think that's what they love about their job. And that's okay too. Appreciation is more addicting than the desire to lose weight. It could even negate a desire/need to lose weight.
edit:
I almost forgot...
show us your new and improved, totally buff pecs!