[sdotsen]

Having recently done this a few weeks ago, I can say it was the best thing to have happened to me in the last couple of years. Every job I've gone to was a step up from where I was (responsibility wise). I have never taken a job as a lateral move. I've only jumped ship when the opportunity was better for my career.

I knew I needed a change when I found myself installing RPMs all day. Not many people are fortunate to be in an environment where they can make recommendation or changes within an organization. When I asked if I could automate some tasks, I was greeted with a roundabout explanation on why we don't automate things. That's when I knew I had to get out. Other sysadmins were "happy" with their job. I guess for some folks, a 9-5 job is all they care for.

Me? I worry about what will happen years from now. If I'm 50 and need to find a job, can I market myself against someone who is younger? If I don't build my skillset now, I'm at a disadvantage many years from now. So to answer your question, when my job becomes so easy that I don't learn anything new or I'm not afraid of an upcoming task, that's when I know I need to question myself. If I'm not challenged, then what's the point of staying?

For some, it's a paycheck and a means to pay bills and raise their family. I'm in the same boat, but I also have to look at it in terms of how can i grow as a person both professional and personally. Nothing worse than waking up in the mornig and dreading to go into work. I can happily say I dont have that feeling anymore.