I've always assumed its because of sticker shock. +40% is a lot, and as a salary it's right there on paper. As a rehire, the equivalent amount is hidden in seve

I've always assumed its because of sticker shock. +40% is a lot, and as a salary it's right there on paper. As a rehire, the equivalent amount is hidden in several dozen smaller costs. Also if yesterday you made 14 widgets for 10 money, paying 14 money for 14 widgets is hard to justify, nevermind that when you were hired you made 10 widgets a day. The obvious solution for the dev is to go hunt for a job that reads "paying 14 money for someone with experience making 14 widgets a day".