Not going somewhere else to get more money isn’t the same as losing money. That’s like saying I’m saving money by not buying $expensive_item when I wouldn’t buy that type of thing anyway.
If I’m a painter, I’m not losing money by not being the CEO of RandomOtherCorp. Conflate ye not.
If you’re a first year painter working for a general contractor, you’re going to be paid less than a more experienced painter. After five years, you’ll be able to get more money from another general contractor applying as a painter with five years experience. You’re less likely to do that if you like working for your current general contractor.
Not going somewhere else to get more money isn’t the same as losing money. That’s like saying I’m saving money by not buying $expensive_item when I wouldn’t buy that type of thing anyway.
If I’m a painter, I’m not losing money by not being the CEO of RandomOtherCorp. Conflate ye not.
It is though. That is the literal definition of opportunity cost.
If you’re a first year painter working for a general contractor, you’re going to be paid less than a more experienced painter. After five years, you’ll be able to get more money from another general contractor applying as a painter with five years experience. You’re less likely to do that if you like working for your current general contractor.