Not new, welcome to working 1998+.

The only big change from previous generations was the removal of pensions.

For previous generations, the goal was to get into a big company and stay there til retirement because of the pension plan. So while your annual raise was low, you were tied to a pension that grew. Trading short term cash for long term cash.

Now, there are no pensions and ppl about to claim them are top of the list for layoffs. 2008 was a massive dick kick yo those just a few years from collecting their pensions.

What did that change?

Now, you do 2-4 years at a company and move on unless actual upward mobility is happening. Even then, you get 1 year with the new title then go get a 20% bump by going to a new org unless your company will pay market rates vs sticking to internal pay raise limits (ATT as an example of chasing talent away).

I was at an org for 10 years because I was moving up and laterally into a career i loved. But within 4 years of leaving, i doubled my income by going to 3 different orgs. It was uncomfortable change, but can't argue with the results.

Plus, discomfort cultivates growth.