Early Bird = Screwed Worm

Birds eat worms. That's probably not the only thing, but the old phrase, "The early bird gets the worm" indicates that the bird is most likely eating the worm. Like most we instantly assume that this phrase indicates that we shouldn't procrastinate and that we will be rewarded for our promptness. My question: What about the worm?

The early worm gets eaten. There is no way out of it. The worm could've stayed in bed. Called in sick to worm work. Sure it's manager might not have accepted his excuse and it might get written in his record, but it's better than death! Come on man. That worm tried to be the early bird and instead got screwed. Only solution was for it to be late. Wait till the birds have had their fill of worms, and then traverse whatever distance it needs to. You (as a worm) might lose a few friends by telling them to go first, but you'll save your head.