"Some folks aspire to the minimum amount of work and the maximum amount of pay. And they are shocked when they get laid off after a decade of that, that nobody wants to hire them."
Wholeheartedly agree. However don't forget those who worked hard but were just got stuck doing something that was ONLY relevant in that organization. Once laid off, they belatedly find out their 'skill' isn't a skill outside of the organization.
Hence I believe you should be extra vigilant about stagnating skill set when working at a company for more than just a few years. A lesson I'm learning now.
Exactly the position I am in now. After a couple of years I am looking to move on but I am finding that no one needs the experience I have. Everything I have done for my current company is desktop development and the vast majority of the nearby jobs are web development. Companies these days don't want to hire anyone who can't hit the ground running so it's a rough situation. Better to get out now than many years from now though.
Also, ever look into trying out micro ISV? You may not get rich but doing doing something like it will help you work on techs that are popular/relevant, not what your managers wants done. Or try working on side projects with free time?
"Hence I believe you should be extra vigilant about stagnating skill set when working at a company for more than just a few years."
I have some experience in this and some autonomy is vital. If you negotiate something approximating a consultative relationship with your boss, then you're pretty safe.
Wholeheartedly agree. However don't forget those who worked hard but were just got stuck doing something that was ONLY relevant in that organization. Once laid off, they belatedly find out their 'skill' isn't a skill outside of the organization.
Hence I believe you should be extra vigilant about stagnating skill set when working at a company for more than just a few years. A lesson I'm learning now.