That's not how it works. Those who've been there 20 years and who would have difficulties finding another job are those who get low salary increases. On the other hand they've been there for so long without looking elsewhere that they probably have no idea that their pay is low.

> He probably made fat bank which turned out to be golden handcuffs.

This is a big assumption, not everyone in this field is a high earner - plenty of people make okay-ish salaries without being anywhere near highly paid.

He retired at 58 so I'd assumed. Maybe he's got a side hustle or embraced the super frugal lifestyle.

That's what Dan did at my old job. Retired at 50. We would go on per diem travel and he would bring food from the hotel. We called them 'Dan-wiches'. He was smart and frugal. Now living his best life.