Changing Jobs Often....

[tvguy]

So you think "the average" employee contract is only two years because the company doesn't want to give out vacation time or let someone vest in the 401k? That's what you claimed...


I think it's more likely 2 years is a good length of time to see if they are a good fit in the position (on both sides, employer and employee). Especially in smaller markets, 2 years gives someone experience at their job and (hopefully) the capability to move on.

I'm not denying that 2 year contracts are the norm, I just disagree with the reason for that term.

Well, I guess it is all circumstantial evidence. But not keeping people around to reduce benefits costs certainly isn't unique to my industry. We won't get into the latest trend, "temporary" 3 month contracts.

 

[rwdavis2]

I think it depends on what you do. Computer people change all the time. From 1980 to 1995 I had 7 different jobs. Been at this one since.

If you have the exact skills a company is looking for and they pay is higher or the work interesting then you usually go. Especially if you're young enough. And if you are a contract techie you may have no choice in how long you stay.

 

[klacey1]

Eh, I think it depends. My last three jobs were for 6 months, 1 year and then 4 years. I just started a new position and have never been asked about the short time frames of those first two positions.
But regarding fulfillment--I'm not sure why anyone would look down on someone looking for fulfillment at the place they spend 40+ hours a week. Of course I want to be happy at work and feel invigorated by it. Boredom with my tasks, a lack of growth and wanting a major salary bump is precisely why I left my last position.