Odds of Hanging On
Being the CEO of a profitable company that you own is a pretty good definition of job security. But don't get too comfortable—the chicken processing business is a cut-throat game that tends to make it harder for the smaller companies to remain competitive. In order to stay CEO, you'll need to keep moving those chickens, stay on top of trends, and crush anyone who gets in your way.
A CEO of a publicly-owned company, however, can be fired by the board of directors. It depends mostly on how profitable the whole enterprise is under your guidance. You could be a tyrant who terrorizes employees and makes impossible demands, but as long as stock prices stay up, you keep your enormous corner office.
On the other hand, if you're able to include a "golden parachute" clause in your contract, you might get millions of dollars for being shown the door. Why can't all jobs be like that?
Then there's the issue of your personal feelings toward the job. Will you end up burned out by the constant stress and high demands of the job? That's certainly a possibility.
There's no school or training for how to be a CEO. You learn that on the job, and as a result you'll discover whether it's where you thrive or not. If one day you determine that the executive life isn't for you, consider switching to the tranquil and rewarding life of a chicken farmer.