It's notable that our culture is changing. I think, on the whole, it's a good change. But one nice thing about 30 years is you have the opportunity to get really good at the job. Many people don't do that, but here is someone who, it sounds like, did.
Or more likely, you get really comfortable and stagnate. Innovation requires a steady flow of ideas from outside the company, and often hiring outsiders is a good way to accomplish that.
As someone who is early on in ther career, this is good food for thought. I am still employed at the first company I worked for after graduating from college 2 years ago. I was always told that the way you get a raise is to "job hop" every couple years.
The way I see it, you're worth more to your current company. You already know their stuff, and don't have to get up to speed. And you know the stuff you made for them well. And to them you're not an untested new hire who could flop. So in a rational economy, on average and when you're a good fit where you are, you ought to get the best offer from your current company.
Other companies are willing to pay you more because they need your expertise and you are offering a higher level of skill/experience than you offered the company you are with now.
Because they don't know what you're currently earning, if you don't tell them.
If you know any Norwegians, you can search them up on http://nrk.no/skattelister2008/, for instance.