When do you walk away?

[ladymuck]

I tend to get itchy feet after a year, definitely after 15 months. I'm currently 18 months in on my current gig, extension on its way for another three months and the PM has forecast me into their plans for Q1 next year.

Like you, the work isn't challenging, the team is good (90% contractors), the rate is good.

BUT! I do have to look the gift horse in the mouth as I know I'm stagnating. There are days where I just about drag myself out of bed in time for the first meeting.

I have always said that if the prospect of the job makes you want to take a duvet day, every day, then it's time to move on.

I will see the year out, and have told the PM that I may not stick around for all of Q1 as I'll be looking for the next gig then.

[NowPermOutsideUK]

It is brave and courageous to have the attitude of I need to move each year or I need to be excited to go to work each day

I’ve always been at companies as long as I could and each time I moved it was because the project finished or the money finished. I was always ok to do not much and get paid but maybe that’s just me!

[coe123]

Thank you everyone. So clearly two different approaches from people - bill as long as you can vs keep moving/learning.

I do feel that I have already billed for too long and I do get a point about being institutionalised - I am part of the furniture - network more like these days

I sat down and got the resume refreshed, and while I am not going to jump at the next chance - I will if the role and money is right - if nothing comes around then I'll just stick around and keep billing.

[lecyclist]

If you are 4 years from retirement, wouldn't it be worth visualising what kind of gig would be to good to end your career on? If there is a barrier to entry in that area, use the time in your current role to get skilled up.

[coe123]

If you are 4 years from retirement, wouldn't it be worth visualising what kind of gig would be to good to end your career on? If there is a barrier to entry in that area, use the time in your current role to get skilled up.

As you know we have only a small degree of control over what role we get next. I spent about 7 years on buy side integration projects - MQ/TIBCO and the likes and everything changed after 2008 when I was forced to leave the field. Since then I tried to get back into that area but either there was/has been oversupply in that area or it is down to sheer luck of finding long term work elsewhere, it has been hard to convince agents, I enjoyed working there and would prefer to work there - but how do you even get back into it if there is no recent experience.