Also my experience with that first job. I would get the work done quicker than others, and leave around 5pm (most stayed beyond 6pm).

The message was clear: "There's always work to do. If you're getting work done early, you need to do more!"

I got worse ratings than people who achieved less. It also explains why coworkers refused to learn how to automate things.

Again: I automate to make my life easier. If it isn't working, I shouldn't do it.

Not stupid, just entitled to all of your innovation and productivity while you're on the clock (if waged) and off the clock (if you're salaried). If you've shown yourself to be an outlier - that's great for the business - and congratulations, you've aet yourself a new baseline. Isn't class economics just delightful[1]?

The only employees who have a more direct linkage between productivity and income are sales folk, and it's boom or bust there. If you're an engineer that somehow doubles your employers profits, don't dream they'll double your salary, a once-off bonus is the best you can hope for, at the next evaluation cycle.

1. From each, according to his ability. To each, according to "market" rates, and his negotiation skills.