This. Tbh even recently we have had something similiar in our city about a companie moving there and the pay was ridiculously above the median, golden handcuffs

This. Tbh even recently we have had something similiar in our city about a companie moving there and the pay was ridiculously above the median, golden handcuffs was of of the topics of the discussion, specially by colleagues that were part of a consulting company already working for them before them moved in. It's not a nice feeling knowing that if you leave a job, there is no way you can get the same payment. One of the nice things about being a programmer is that I can leave my job whenever I need, as employment is abundant, but if there is no comparable paycheck, then that perk goes away. And that is a very nice perk that lots of people here take for granted.