Bravo. You're entirely correct. One is merely a piece of meat in the machine. Lots of good ideas above, although hopefully full of things one would 'like to say', but not really say. As a hiring agent, always ask why left last position. Some answers are real doozies. But when one checks with previous employers, if they say 'would not be eligible for rehire' it cause one to pause. Not burning bridges is always the best course. Who knows, maybe your stock portfolio takes a tumble, and you need that income bridge before stocks turn north again. Anyway, have discussed/thought many of the same things opined above. Oh yeah, when doing my due diligence on a recruit, always check on the previous employer before the one where they are currently. Will get a more unbiased answer. Could be that the current employer blows smoke up your six in order to get you gone! Anyway, did day trading on JD Uniphase, and lost a quick $25,000, and decided not my jam. Have been retired for 10 Years now, and wouldn't have it any other way. Served on Grand Jury, and wasn't thrilled to have to get up and meet a specific meeting time. But can do for a tee time. Go figure.