[swinnipeg]

5 years experience is very different than 1 year of experience repeated 5 times.

Many positions aren't designed for growth, and you really need to ask your self if you have been growing professionally when in that position. You risk losing whatever edge you once had.

IMO having side projects (with some sort of attached business goal) / and some contracting is a great option if you aren't ready to leave a job that is going nowhere.