[nmhancoc]

I'd like to agree with the latter part of this sentiment as a young person who didn't experience any other times of working to which you refer.

I got fed this narrative that the corporate environment was ruthless and cutthroat, but I found it highly resistant to even profitable, labor-saving new ideas or practices in favor of ego management, image management, and non disruption.

Maybe it's a false expectation on my part, but I would have at least expected ruthless people to be pragmatic and open minded toward things which may be of benefit. That's not to say they're without fault or downside, but that's certainly not generally characteristic of the corporate environment I've experienced.

OTOH, I've found smaller employers with a more direct connection to market forces much better in this regard. I don't think those two things are unrelated.