Yes, it is a software development thing. Labour market is crazy.<p>Employers are obsessed with &quot;acquiring talent&quot;. If you can show &quot;growth potential&quot; (as in, being able and willing to learn and extend your expertise), they will overpay you for the first 2 years or so. After that, they will feel entitled to recover their investment in you, so you will continue to grow, but your salary will stagnate.<p>Meaning, 3-5 years is the sweet spot for getting another income boost from the next talent acquirer willing to pay you to learn even more.