[kube-system]

> 2) have no job and get the 55k/yr equivalent in unemployment with no benefits.

... plus income from directorships, investments, etc.

People with high net worth don't need to rely on consistent income the way the rest of us do. A lot of them are later on in their careers and could potentially retire as well.

There are other options too, like quit and become a consultant, which is exactly what Marinello did.

It is very common for senior management to run to the door during a bankruptcy, even during an economic downturn. If there's any argument that this payout is unnecessary, it is that senior management doesn't really care about the money as much as it is about the situation.