[throwawaycopter]

You just described with incredible precision my approach to jobs and career.

The only difference is that I make a point of leaving my current job in 18 to 24 months. That is the sweet spot. No matter how good or bad I think the job is. Always get a raise in the switch. Rinse and repeat. I actually avoid getting promotions in whatever is my current job, those are detrimental, seldom the raise is compatible with the increase in responsibility.

I worked for companies I liked and for companies I personally hated, the procedure is always the same. Has been working wonders for me in the past 2 decades.

[itbeho]

I follow a similar pattern. A current employer almost never raises salary commensurate with market rates after 2 or more years.