Good work if you can get it

Note to self: Implement this career model.

• Step 1: Accept job and sign contract for $7 million a year for 5 years.
• Step 2: Do great job for two years.
• Step 3: Convince employer to fire me, to release me from my contractual obligations and to give me $7 million severance deal so that I can . . .
• Step 4: . . . take the job I really want and that pays me $10 million a year.

If that doesn't work out, here is my backup career model.

In June, Co-President Stephen S. Crawford of the financial giant Morgan Stanley (who was installed in the job in order to ensure management ''stability'' during the company's currently shaky status with investors) signed a two-year contract at $16 million a year which allowed him, if he changed his mind, to resign and promptly collect all $32 million. A few days later, he resigned.