Discussion on question by Aiteru454: Why is using irreplaceability as leverage frowned upon?

I've had the privilege of being hired with the explanation of what I'd be doing as "figure out what the guy we just fired for gross misconduct was doing". And, to be frank, not having the code stored somewhere where it's not vulnerable to "accidents and mishaps" should be gross misconduct...

@Aiteru454 - in the real world, the moment you try to extort "because you can't replace me" money, a good company will start finding your replacement. But good luck anyway.

Not only is no-one irreplaceable, but the closer you get to that theoretical spot, the more unpromotable you become and actually decrease your big picture value to the company

You can consider yourself a green alien if you like. That doesn't make it true. Anyway, why do you care if a few folks frown on your plan? Just do it. Ask for 300% if you feel that they literally cannot fire you. Good luck.

So the entire company shuts down whenever you are ill or go on vacation?