Your scientist example reminded me of a Dead Kennedys song literally about this called Well Paid Scientist

https://youtu.be/xxmxknLCg_g

You're a well paid scientist

You only talk in facts

You know you're always right

'Cause you know how to prove it, step by step

A PhD to show you're smart

With textbook formulas

But you're used up

Just like a factory hand

Something is wrong here

You won't find in on a shelf

You're well-paid, you're well-trained

You're tied to a rack

Company cocktails, gotta go

Say the right thing don't fidget, jockey for position

Be polite in the pyramid you hate

Sip that scotch, get that raise, this ain't no party at all

Something is wrong here

You won't find in on a shelf

You're well-paid, you're well-trained

You're tied to a rack

Cringe and tense up, grind your teeth

And wipe your sweaty palms

Close your windows driving past the

lowlife company bar

They're making fun of you

Ha!

Ah, even you

You've gotta punch the clock, why don't you punch your boss?

Ah, even you

You just punch the clock, too scared to punch your boss

When will you crack?

When will you crack?

When will you...

Open your eyes, open your eyes, open your eyes?

Pull up to your sterile home, you're drained

Bite the heads off of your kids

Chew them well, they taste like you, just slam the door

Assigned here 'cause your company owns the land

All your colleagues live here too

Private guards in golf carts keep you safe at home?

Something is wrong here

You won't find in on a shelf

You're well-paid, you're well-trained

You're tied to a rack

When will you crack?

When will you crack?

When will you crack?

When will you crack?

The dark shattered underbelly of the

American dream

Avoid it like the plague

It stares you from your bathroom mirror

Drown!