After reading through the Ageism thread, and Robb’s subsequent post, I started wondering…
What’s the average work/career lifespan for someone in IT? Or, better yet, break it down to various jobs – and I don’t necessarily mean dropping out due to burn-out. Just.. is there an average length of stay in any one job?
For myself, I’m a Johnny-come-lately (or is that Jane?) in IT – having entered the workforce in my mid-30s. I spent several years prior to that going to uni and gearing up for what I’m doing now. I’ve been in my current position 2 1/2 years, and my duties, along with tending to the network and all and sundry, have been spread out by management to include administrative work and a touch of technical work in another field.
I’m content here, where I am. Of course, I’d like more pay, and as the company grows, I’m assured that’ll come. I could easily see myself staying here until they give me the heave-ho – even as I watch and hear about former classmates moving on to bigger and better things.
So, yeah, I know it’s all subjective, how long someone is in one position. I’m just curious if anyone’s ever come up with a career-track or timeline.