How many jobs have y'all had in your lifetime?
Posted by aligatorsNmaligators@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 315 comments
I'm in my 40s and between jobs I've had and business I've started, Ive had exactly 40. (That I can remember)
That number would be higher if I counted all the individual day labor type shit from my 20s.
It's been a long road, boss. I'm tired.
Various_Drop_1509@reddit
53 now and I’ve had 3 jobs since starting to work full-time.
a_passionate_man@reddit
5 since I received my PhD in 1999. Was in research for only 5 years and then decided that research life wouldn’t be able to sustain building a family life as I was jumping from annual contract to annual contract unable to find a tenure in my field of research.
Crivens999@reddit
One. Came out of Uni having never had a job (UK 90s they paid you to go to college). Was unemployed for almost a year as where I come from it was not great for work. Got a job near London and still do the same thing almost 30 years later. I literally now mod code I wrote in my early 20s that is still used. I’ve moved country several times (inc moving continent) have covered a load of companies we service, and changed a lot of what my job entails. The company has been took over several times, many rounds of redundancies, but I’m still here. And a lot of my time is still exactly the same as when I started in the 90s. Similar to my Grandad, who also had only one job; a coal miner. Crazy
energetic_peace@reddit
This was a fun little trip down memory lane, so thanks!
26 that I can remember easily, in a whole variety of fields. But I found the right field and have stuck with it for 22 years now, 12 of those years in my current job.
grapebeyond227@reddit
Due_Statement9998@reddit
Does this count the ones I’ve fired myself from??
Dick-Guzinya@reddit
It took me a minute to get my traction out of college. Had 4 professional jobs with 4 different companies from 22-24 years old. Now upwardly mobile with the same company for the last 15 years. I’ve have 6 different roles.
Creepy-Douchebag@reddit
Many jobs but only 3 careers; Military, Forestry & Power Engineering.
Reginald_Sockpuppet@reddit
it's up in the 30s
JKSahara@reddit
7 between 15 and 54. Been at my current job for 24 years. In 2000, I changed jobs, got married and bought a house. Still have the same job, same house, and same wife 😀
Mindless_Travel@reddit
Nine, the last five being within the same company that I’ve stuck with the last 24 years.
devilinthedetails@reddit
5 jobs, 13.5 years (and counting) being the longest stint
--__--scott@reddit
2 jobs. But I took about a 15 year retirement. I retired in my mid 20’s and got bored and started back working about 4 years ago.
jb40018@reddit
55 now, 5 jobs in my 40 years of working, unless you count summers of walking beans and detassling corn.
EnergyCreature@reddit
Kestrel_Iolani@reddit
Damn! Well done.
EnergyCreature@reddit
Appreciate the sentiment. I just knew as kid that I could not fuck around with the B's as a young dad and took the first union job that spoke to me. So I joined a free certificate program, got job placed and kept it moving.
whydya-dodat@reddit
And they said pimpin’ ain’t easy… you showed them.
alexdelicious@reddit
That's amazing
Purple-Haze-11@reddit
Props
EvilLLamacoming4u@reddit
4 jobs over 15 years in my professional career (manufacturing). Last 14 years I’ve had my own business. To be candid, one thing we look for on resumes is how long applicants have been at each place. Has to be measured in years; if there’s 13 jobs listed over 10 years it’s a deal breaker.
Aggressive-Bath-1906@reddit
I started working at age 14 as a scorekeeper at Little League. Then I washed empty 5-gallon bottles for a delivery company, then worked at a pet store for two years. Then summer camp, after school program, HS job coach residential treatment, teachers aide, after school program again, grad school internship, and now School Psych. So that’s ten jobs in about 40 years (I am in my 50s).
Limp-Insurance203@reddit
13
EdwardBliss@reddit
Several, lot of fun, yet low paying, entertainment/music-type jobs in my 20s and 30s Currently I've been at my crap job for 25 years.
RickRI401@reddit
11 different employers. Started working at 14 delivering news papers, I'm 51 and have only been unemployed a total of 2 months since age 16.
Sufficient_Stop8381@reddit
2 full time jobs since college. Been at the current one 25 years. Also 2 part time jobs during high school and college.
HavBoWilTrvl@reddit
Around 10 employers but I've been in about 20 different roles with my current employer. Some of those roles were short term roles; training assignments, loans to another department, pilot programs.
Konorlc@reddit
Birth to 53- 3 jobs. 53-59- 4 jobs. Total 7
CofferCrypto@reddit
Around 12
Glum-One2514@reddit
54 years old. 6 jobs. I'm an engineer, now, and have been at my current employer for 30 years.
Viperlite@reddit
This describes me to a T.
EngineeringTom@reddit
Add me to that list.
GreatGreenGobbo@reddit
How are you defining jobs?
Do you mean workplaces or different roles/careers?
Cowboywizzard@reddit
Anything that paid you money!
Random-TBI@reddit
9 employers, 12 jobs (4 positions/different jobs were at one company)
Cowboywizzard@reddit
16 but I don't count odd jobs. I wasn't allowed to work during med school, and I don't count that, but it was work.
anotherpredditor@reddit
Im in tech so the number keeps climbing.
EnergyCreature@reddit
I'm in tech also but it's union. They gonna have to burn me out of these building lol
Cowboywizzard@reddit
Keep an eye on the guy with the red swingline stapler.
anotherpredditor@reddit
I wish more tech would unionize. The rich chuckleheads that own everything have been pretty good at keeping it out of my sector.
EnergyCreature@reddit
A lot of younger knuckle head workers that came in voted against union protections in favor of performance based bonuses....guess whose slated to be laid off next month?
Calliesdad20@reddit
Idiots
Saint909@reddit
People think in the short term.
virtualadept@reddit
Same.
Sir_Lee_Rawkah@reddit
Nice
SowTheSeeds@reddit
The hard part in tech is being trashed by morons above you who have no idea how to work with engineers.
Thank god I have found the right job. Riding this baby until I retire.
nrith@reddit
Well, the number can’t ever go down.
Longjumping-Date-181@reddit
I'm in tech but only on 3rd employer, had a bunch of title changes though
stevoDood@reddit
Every time I get a new job, I just save up for the next layoff
Glimmerofinsight@reddit
This. We have had to be survivors in the workplace.
Charleston2Seattle@reddit
Laid off 3x and forced to resign 1x in my 29-year tech career. And my current employer has had layoffs the past two Januaries. I'm nervous.
TakeMeToThePielot@reddit
I’m fiddy and I’m in tech too. I’ve had about 35. If you ever want to move up you gotta jump. Plus the layoffs, crap acquisitions, etc.
anotherpredditor@reddit
Currently working for a holdings company that values our team. It is a bit of an anomaly since almost my whole team is at 10 years+. First time i havent had to look for work every few months in a while.
TakeMeToThePielot@reddit
I’m on my 3rd year at a B Corp that actually makes the world better. Assuming they hold together, I’ll ride this one to retirement.
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
I was in tech too. I feel like ash after that.
Rozkosz60@reddit
1981-2023 19 jobs
MyriVerse2@reddit
10-15, I guess.
robertwadehall@reddit
I’ve been in tech for 27 years, had 14 jobs. A bunch of 6- and 12- month contracts. Longest gig was 6 years. Been a W2, 1099, FTE. 4 startups, several big fortune 50 companies. Been remote the last 7 years. Been at the current job almost 4 years, see if I can make it 6 more years here then retire. Been through layoffs and startups folding. Lived in 3 states in my career, worked in 5, currently at a company based 2000 miles away…
022ydagr8@reddit
Raised on a farm got shipped out to other farms for harvest. So at least ten different farms there. Legally working 16-18 4. 18-23 4 23-present 1
Macca49@reddit
62 9 jobs
satanlovesmemore@reddit
First job almost 3 months , fired. Second 6 yrs quit . Went to a mill 2-3 yrs manager shifts quit. Union pipe bending place 2-3 yr
penguin_stomper@reddit
Depends on how you count them. Maybe number of employers is better? I've been at my current employer for 18 years, but am on my 5th position there in that time. I think I'd be at 9 employers, plus pr minus one depending on how you count temp to hire services.
timberwolf0122@reddit
Your mother gave me a job last night trebeck!
7LeagueBoots@reddit
At least 20, but I’m pretty sure I’m forgetting a few.
And that’s not counting all the odd jobs and such, and is counting jobs I returned to a few times as one.
7LeagueBoots@reddit
At least 20, but I’m pretty sure I’m forgetting a few.
And that’s not counting all the odd jobs and such, and is counting jobs I returned to a few times as one.
solsticesunrise@reddit
Do we count summer jobs while in college? Each family I’ve babysat for?
“Real jobs,” 4.
Include summer and babysitting? 17.
Finding_Way_@reddit
I've been in the same field for around 25 years. Within that time, three different full-time employers.
Side gigs here and there number well over that
themishmosh@reddit
I basically went to college with a job in mind. So maybe 4-5 temp jobs before that. Lucky to have one job with the same employer for the past 30 years.
TideWaterRun@reddit
Software Engineer/Development Manager/Development Director/Cybersecurity Engineer have been my roles over the years. Worked for 8 companies including 1 twice. Been at this current company for 8 years now and will probably ride it into retirement.
TideWaterRun@reddit
Software Engineer/Development Manager/Development Director/Cybersecurity Engineer have been my roles over the years. Worked for 8 companies including 1 twice. Been at this current company for 8 years now and will probably ride it into retirement.
BaconToTheBaconPower@reddit
Five formal "paycheck jobs" from HS up through college, 2 in industry in my field of study after graduation after that (auto test engineering).
Upbeat_Try_1718@reddit
I’m 50. I’ve worked at 5 places starting with my high school job. If you count the actual positions I’ve had 14. One in high school. Two in college. One right out of college and then 10 at the company I’ve been with since I was 24.
RepresentativeAir735@reddit
Do you mean starting from 11?
americanrecluse@reddit
I was on my own at age 15, and probably had 30 jobs by the time I hit 18. But my current resume has four jobs on it and goes back over 20 years.
waters_run_deep@reddit
Real jobs:4. Not counting jobs in highschool or anything before getting a degree.
Kbrush2000@reddit
8
AlarmingCorner3894@reddit
Employers? Six. Roles? Lots. Probably 20+.
yeti-rex@reddit
Employers? 8
Some employers rehired me.
High School - seasonal for 2 Christmases in a row. Also for 2 summers in a row. Two employers, each with 2 employments.
Been at my current employer for 17 years, yet have had 8 roles.
kobuta99@reddit
FT jobs, #6 in 28 yrs and counting. Not too shabby, I think.
Calliesdad20@reddit
10 or so
Electrical_Beyond998@reddit
Four. Six if you count the one day I put in a Dunkin Donuts and the one day at Taco Bell, both when I was 15. Been at my current job for fifteen months, before this I was a SAHM for sixteen years.
tony_719@reddit
12 i think. 8 of them were in my teens or early 20s. In the last 23 years, I've worked for 4 companies in 2 different fields
Thunderpuppy2112@reddit
13 I’m 50
devi8d@reddit
About 13… was changing every year or two until current position (almost 11 years)
Jdevers77@reddit
1 in high school 3 in undergrad 1 between undergrad and grad school Technically 1 in grad school since I was a graduate assistant that paid me a stipend (which would have been enough to live on if I lived in a third world country but it was technically a job) Then after grad school I had 5 different job titles for one company over a span of 20ish years And the job I have now as a consultant for a different company advising on what I did for my previous 20 years.
So 8 different places of employment but with 13 different roles/jobs.
zinger301@reddit
Seems to be around 9 for me.
phxflurry@reddit
I guess about 14? I just hit 20 years at my current one.
IntrepidRogue@reddit
8 so far, in the 30 years I've been working.
More_Ship_190@reddit
AI've held over 80 jobs on my life. In the 90's the job market was insane
ScreenTricky4257@reddit
Twelve jobs for ten different companies, including temping for the US Census in 2020.
More_Ship_190@reddit
I've held over 80 jobs on my life. In the 90's the job market was insane
SawgrassSteve@reddit
Not including jobs I had before college, I think 24, I am not including some one off projects, side jobs or any promotions I earned while staying with a company.
hulks_brother@reddit
I have never worked at the same job longer than 5 years. I am 50 now and started working when I was in high school.
Top-Nose2659@reddit
55 My first job was at 14, total 7.... I've been at my current job 28 years
hct4all@reddit
Worked for 6 different companies. Current company is over 30 years. 53 years old
therightansweristaco@reddit
I'm 50 and I count 24 different jobs in my lifetime from 15 until now. Would have been more as I was a bartender all over America but I went to work for my brother and have been with him for over a decade now. I'll retire with him since we're a year apart and I'm lucky as hell 😁
ChaosUnit731@reddit
I'm currently working for my 3rd company.
Pumpnethyl@reddit
I’m 57 and I’ve had 6 different jobs. I stayed at one employer for 24 years before accepting a position at a company that I’ve always wanted to work for. Still here 8 years later.
I’m currently working in cloud computing, but my first real job was installing and repairing commercial audio and video equipment. I miss that first job. Component level troubleshooting with a scope was a blast.
Bikingbrokerbassist@reddit
At one point, I juggled 4 jobs at once in my 20s. Since then, 6 years at one office, 15 at the next and going on 4 at my current job.
dbx999@reddit
About 7.
nonameco1515@reddit
I have had 4 jobs in my career. I have been fortunate to find jobs that allowed me to grow without leaving the company.
One_Hour_Poop@reddit
Five jobs, one of them 15 years and the other about to be 15 years next year.
ChrisNYC70@reddit
paperboy working in a bakery waiter environmental non profit security tutoring child actors united nations elderly non profit housing non profit community services non profit
10 total. i think that’s good
MrsAussieGinger@reddit
25 jobs, 14 employers. 10+ years with current employer and hoping to remain until retirement. Wish me luck!
FatHummingbird@reddit
Been working since I was 12. Now at 55 I think the total is 21. Yeah. I’m tired.
DoktorNietzsche@reddit
I am in my 21st year with this employer and 26th in this field.
Humble_Scarcity1195@reddit
6 in total including parttime jobs when studying.
Crow_with_a_Cheeto@reddit
Full-time jobs: 6
Part-time and temp jobs: \~12
Ineffable7980x@reddit
I'm stunned. I just counted and it's a least 20 since I graduated college. That's a combination of full and part time gigs.
Relevant_Wrangler830@reddit
Being nearly 50 years old I have only 6 different employers in 2 different fields. My first employer was in high school and when I graduated I quit and went into the field I'm currently in. And have had 5 different employers since then. I have been with my current employer for 20+ years.
robintweets@reddit
Counting only the ones since I graduated college - 6
Counting everything since I started working at 16 (high school, summer jobs each year, etc.) - 10
jeffster1970@reddit
Besides being self-employed (and also working for the same business during much of that time as an employee) I have worked a grand total of 5 jobs (plus self-employed). My current job I've been at for 20 years this coming May. Since I am unionized, I'll likely never have a different job. However, within this job, I have had 3 different titles and soon a 4th and perhaps a 5th at some point.
bottle_of_bees@reddit
25, not counting freelance/temp/volunteer jobs. Four distinct careers.
Individual-Fail4709@reddit
Worked for a very large corporation for 30+ years. I had 15+ different jobs as I moved laterally and upwards. Was lucky to find the right fit early.
StopSignsAreRed@reddit
13, but 9 were a year or less.
jayhawkwds@reddit
My first job was as an assistant in an automotive detailing business. Basically I used a toothbrush to clean up turtle wax leftover from the boss waxing RVs. That was at 13 years old. Next, I cooked pizzas, was a waiter, and delivery driver for a local pizza place. Age 14-15. Then the local grocery store, stocker, checker, bagger. Age 15-18. I continued with the same grocery company through college and after college from 1990 till 2006, grocery, dairy, pharmacy, Pharmacist. Several stores, but the same company. Took a hospital job in 2003 to now.
Since 1988 I've worked for 4 different company's.
aubreypizza@reddit
I’m 45. Only 8 companies and 13 diff jobs. 3 at my first and 2 at my 6th-8th companies.
3 industries and both blue and white collar.
lilred7879@reddit
7 before/during college and thankfully after college 8 positions but all with 1 company.
doghouse2001@reddit
Less than 10 including summer jobs. 3 multi-year jobs at 2, 8, and 25 years.
trycuriouscat@reddit
Two. (Well, two employers, anyway). One job in retail (2 years) and one at a bank (33 years and counting; 5 at a branch and 28 in IT.)
poolpog@reddit
are you counting short time jobs in high school and college?
if so, i guess i've had something like 20 jobs since 1985. 10 or so in high school and college. 10 or so after.
Bornwestofthemtns@reddit
I had 5 jobs before age 20. I then got a job where I changed positions 4 times and survived 2 mergers. Laid off after 30 years because the powers that be decided to consolidate certain tasks to a few locations and I didn’t want to relocate. Went back to school and then found a job I liked but not as much money. During this time my previous place of employment muddled through COVID lockdown with pushing most employees to WFH. In the aftermath they realized it was more important to have skilled employees regardless of their location. I was offered my job back at more money so I took it.
lazytiger40@reddit
Age 50 now and have held 46 jobs. Many were temp and seasonal.
natedogjulian@reddit
I’ve had 2 jobs. Applied for one once at a grocery store. They wanted me to cut my hair, I didn’t take it.
Worked at a car dealership one summer washing cars, then worked for my dad’s steel fabrication shop every summer and then full time after grad. Never left.
I’ve now owned it for the past 15yrs. It’s been good to our family. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t getting tired of it though.
damageddude@reddit
The higher up you go the more you get away from the work you actually like doing. I'm looking forward to retiring and then come back for the occasional freelance project at my company (and competitors) when I'm a bit older to do what I was originally hired to do which I still enjoy. In my industry that work is staying in the US.
zoeybeattheraccoon@reddit
7 in high school/college so those don’t really count. After I graduated just 5. Been with my current company since 2003.
gatorgopher@reddit
57 and from 15yo I have come up with 23.
Glimmerofinsight@reddit
Not counting all the small jobs I did before I got my work permit at 15 - about 20 jobs that I remember. Gen x are survivors, and sometimes we have a hard time asking for help. Adaptability is my middle name. Sometimes I even negotiated to work a lesser job until the job I wanted opened up the hiring freeze. If you like the company, it usually works out, but if the management is shady, its better to find a new place.
Spiked-Coffee@reddit
I'm 48, and I've worked for two places professionally (4 positions total) and 7 crap jobs while under 21
Longjumping-Date-181@reddit
Currently with my 3rd employer since college. 3.5 years at first one, 5 at second one and going on 19 at current employer. Feels old
Old_Goat_Ninja@reddit
8, and 4 of those were before I graduated high school. After high school I worked at a job for 20 years, 10 years at the job after that, and then I’m currently working at the final 2. One of the final two I’ve been at for a few years, recently dropped down to part time so I could get my foot in the door at this newest job, so now I’m “on call” at two different jobs. This newest one will probably be my last, the one I stick with when something full time opens up.
OlderNerd@reddit
If we're talking after university, then it's been two jobs. I was lucky in my second job to get in with a company that was a great fit for me and has paid well and has had great benefits, so I've been there for over 30 years
honeybee7997@reddit
5.
412_15101@reddit
Oh a work body count? Damn I’m 53 Between layoffs, industry downturns, company bankruptcy’s, COVID I’m at 15 and looking to move again.
I don’t count jobs where I left by the 2nd shift or babysitting.
I’m averaging a new job every 2.4 years. That sounds bad but had a quick string that was just turbulent.
warriorpriest@reddit
Companies? \~12 (but like 5 of them have the been the same company through various buyouts, mergers, etc..)
Roles: 15ish?
I've worked from slinging concrete to healthcare to education and now in IT. From small startup to Fortune 100, with various stuff in between.
I'm tired boss, I hope I have another 20 in me b/c retirement seems so far away.
FutureMany4938@reddit
I'm 54, don't remember them all but 30-40 feels about right.
Helenesdottir@reddit
28, not counting babysitting and volunteer positions or one-off jobs. And I was a stay-at-home mom for 7 years. Plus a single mom with zero child support (and zero government assistance) while going to school part-time during 5 years that I was also working full-time. And running the household for my parents while Mom went to school 2,000 miles away. For 3 years.
I'm out, fam. The torch has been passed.
Commercial-Novel-786@reddit
You're a certified badass. Not even up for debate. Much respect to you!
Helenesdottir@reddit
Nah, just another survivor.
smokescreen_14@reddit
2 full time and 1 elected that is full time.
damageddude@reddit
Define jobs. In my current company I have had multiple positions. If going back to my paper route at 12, in the 44 years since maybe ten different employers (including my law firm partnership my wife -- we were partners, but I was PT and she ran the show)?
Kestrel_Iolani@reddit
I'm 53. If you count all the little part timers in college, I've had 11 jobs since I was 18. Longest one was 14 years.
Lemmon_Scented@reddit
IT. 14 jobs in 27 years. 🤷♂️
I can’t fucking wait to retire
Ambitious-Fill982@reddit
Actually 8. Never really thought too much about it, but most are with the state so once you're in it's incentivized to stay.....
Avasia1717@reddit
2 jobs and 2 self employment things in high school.
6 jobs and 1 self employment thing in college.
3 jobs and 3 self employment things after graduation.
so total 11 jobs and 6 self employment things.
H3lls_B3ll3@reddit
I've just counted 36, but I may have forgotten some.
gypsylady1182@reddit
I am 56 and am on my 8th and that counts my HS jobs.
ivegotafastcar@reddit
11; three of them I went back to after leaving. You think I’d learn the first time that you should never go back after leaving.
AlfalfaElectronic720@reddit
I did 21 years army, 4 years federal service. Now I’m 44, been “in between” jobs for a year right now. So I guess three if you count my high school job for two years.
Square-Section-8418@reddit
8
blackpony04@reddit
15 in total
Age 16-23: 9 Age 23-40: 1 (the one I was supposed to retire from) Age 41-46: 4 Age 46-now: 1 (and plan to go to 65)
Fuck you Great Recession, fuck you very much. It took me 12 years to finally exceed the money I earned in 2010.
QueenOfCrayCray@reddit
Never counted before but it’s just 9 jobs. Been a teacher for the last 22 in the same school. It’s a possibility that I may retire having just taught at the one.
6PunkMonk6@reddit
20?
Commercial-Novel-786@reddit
12, and hoping I never have to add to that. I feel like I've won life's game of Job Plinko.
MissMurderpants@reddit
53F Chef here. Wow. 16 jobs.
My folks didn’t want me to work until after I graduated hs. I started my first at 17. I worked my last job in 2019.
elliotsilvestri@reddit
12 since college and before that maybe ten different employers for various things.
JoeSchmoe2000@reddit
I'm on my 4th job
Nancy-4@reddit
Real jobs 3
buckinanker@reddit
From 25 to 51 exactly 2 companies, probably 12 different jobs
horsenbuggy@reddit
3 before / during HS and college 3 since graduating (lost 2 of those due to huge economy shift) 15 years at my current, 12 years at my first. Only 2 at the middle job.
EvolutionaryLens@reddit
ADHD guy here. You're not gonna believe this, but here goes:
Sales: mobile phones, cookware, mortgages, confectionery.
Cleaner in 5 locations. 7 hospitality positions (sports bar, night club, football club, campus bar, cafes), including owning my own cafe for 10 years.
Pizza delivery (three times). Teacher (business studies and Management). Operations supervisor for removals company. Customer service manager for car audio company. Self employed as gardener and maintenance guy. Vineyard worker (three locations).
Factory machine operator. Desktop publisher. Content designer (university courses). Market researcher. Compliance officer at a cyclotron facility. Farm worker.
The list is actually longer, but you get the drift. I'm 54.
tbonescott1974@reddit
17-50. 18 jobs everything from construction to food service to technology (where I’ve been for 24 years)
Legitimate_Catch_626@reddit
I’m 50 and have had 7 jobs. I like to stay. I like predictability. My pay sucks, but the gossip is deep.
Kimber80@reddit
I once counted 20 ... But the 20th I've had for 30 years now, LOL.
Azzhole169@reddit
Age 8 - 18, I had 4
Age 19 - 48, I’ve had 11
HTLM22@reddit
17 - but I own my own business since 2006 and haven't had to apply for anything or worry about getting fired since then.
swentech@reddit
Yes I’m self-employed IT contractor. SME with a certain product in a certain industry. I like changing jobs every few years and KNOWING I’m going to do that. I’ve only been surprised by a job ending early once. Being doing this for 18 years now. It’s hard work but it pays the bills.
LarryOwen@reddit
Pre-Profession (age 14-24): 14 Professional: 6 (+side action)
Tokogogoloshe@reddit
From ages 15 to 50, about 10 or 11 different jobs.
Beast6213@reddit
Tough answer for me because I was in the building trades for a bit. I’ve had 10 jobs starting at 15 years old. I’ve been with my current employer for 17 years (I am 44). That being said I can’t tell you exactly how many employers I’ve had. There was a year as a plumber just post 9/11 when work was extremely scarce and I had 32 W2s for taxes. I only remember that number because my tax guy almost shit himself. I’d be willing to bet I’ve had about 200 employers. Luckily I landed where I did at 28, and I will be retiring from there.
coolcoinsdotcom@reddit
55 years old and I’ve had nine jobs which includes being currently self employed. Got my first job at 13 working as a fry cook.
oboingadoing@reddit
10, but I've been at the same one for 28 years. At least 4 of them were very short-lived. Less than a month.
Kblast70@reddit
I got my first job at 12 delivering newspapers and have pretty much been continually employed, sometimes with good jobs and other times with bad jobs, but I wouldn't be able to provide a count, not without a lot of work. At one time I had 3 jobs and basically never slept, that really sucked.
Pose2Pose@reddit
Age 49, 12 jobs, including a few years as freelancer/self-employed.
Rob1150@reddit
I work in IT as a contractor. Bunches.
Mental_Ad_906@reddit
I’ve had four if you count the starter job at the uni I graduated from. I’m almost 60. Because they overlapped some I’ve had 2 years, 16 years, 20 years and current job 3. The 20 was my own business that overlapped both the 16 year and current job.
If we’re talking positions, I’d have about eight or ten.
LeoMarius@reddit
27, but at my current job for 8 years.
HumbleXerxses@reddit
20 years in the oil patch. We don't ask if you're still at XYZ company. We ask, "Where are you working now?". We didn't stay at one company long. 2 years max. Not including down turns and layoffs.
Odd_Mission_5366@reddit
W-S-M-F-P@reddit
52 male, 12 jobs mostly construction oriented.
AutomaticStick129@reddit
TOO MANY!!!
More than I recall!
therelybare5@reddit
After I got out of college, I bounced around summer jobs and concerts. After that I was a Temp employee and have had two permanent employers. The first for about five years and the current employer, I have been with for 28 years.
SumoHeadbutt@reddit
16 total
Teen and student: 6
Phase 1 of career: 5
Phase 2 of career: 5
What a ride
DestinysCalling@reddit
I'm 53 and had 4 jobs
1 - 7 years 2 - 2 years 3 - 21 years 4 - currently 2 years
Stefgrep66@reddit
About a dozen but only 2 since I was 40. Im hoping the present one will see me out to retirement. At 58 job searching fills me with absolute dread!!
ApatheistHeretic@reddit
I'm at my 17th job.
home_dollar@reddit
Im on #32
gingerjaybird3@reddit
4 under 21 and 1 after
prospectpico_OG@reddit
I'm on 8, and my last.
chapaj@reddit
I'm 47. I've only worked at 3 workplaces my whole life since age 16, but have had various roles at those places due to promotions/transfers etc.
Trismesjistus@reddit
Landscaping, lifeguard , grocery bagger then cashier, Fast food drone, laba assistant, server then bartender then manager , Microbiologist, molecular biologist , nuclear pharmacist, retail pharmacist, hospital pharmacist. That makes about 14. Those three pharmacist gigs are wildly different so I'm counting it three times!
grahsam@reddit
11 jobs 30 years of working.
Ornery-Practice9772@reddit
10
coldbrewer003@reddit
I'd say about 15. I'm 56 now. At my current employer, I've been with them for 31 years working in about 5 different types of positions. I started out as an office assistant temp. I'm now a mid-level policy manager. My first ever job was under the table working for my uncle & aunt at a farming work camp. Worked about 12 hours a day for $36 in 1981. I've got about 6 years to go...maybe 4. We'll see. Haha
CookinCheap@reddit
About 15. And as jobs become obsolete, mine get worse and worse.
kjm2647@reddit
I'm 55 and worked on the Railroad since I was 19
Tacos_N_Bourbon@reddit
Eight jobs; including the 14 years I was self employed.
Machinebuzz@reddit
3 post college jobs. 3 pre college jobs.
I've been at my current job for 12 years and I'll probably retire from it.
HeLikesBikes@reddit
If I count everything I ever got paid for the answer is 17. But four of those were little side hustle gigs, so 13 actual jobs. And of those, 5 were with the same company where I got a series of transfers and promotions. So depending on how you want to count it the actual number of jobs could be as few as 9. I’m 57 now but retired at 48. I can’t imagine having had 40 jobs during my working years. If you assume not working the first 10 years of your life that’s changing jobs more than once a year. Crazy.
delightfuldillpickle@reddit
I'm on job number 6 at 46. I tend to be afraid of change. But 3 of them have been in the past year, so I'm starting to not let these people take advantage of me.
ProfessionalEarly965@reddit
4 -5 jobs. My old company been there 15 years they got new owners so 2 years here. The old owner retired and sold the business.
Mtothethree@reddit
Before my career about 8. Been in my current job for 26 years. So less than 10 total.
Secret-Asian-Man-76@reddit
Not including retail, I'm on job #12. I'm 48.
Different_Cat106@reddit
17
Delco74@reddit
Graduated in 97. Currently at my 6th job for almost 9 years
TinktheChi@reddit
I worked in consulting so I've had many.
snarf_the_brave@reddit
Funny you should ask. I was talking to my dad about this over the weekend. He had 4 jobs his entire life. 1 in high school, 1 in college, and 1 career split between 2 companies. That's insane to me!
I've had 16 jobs between 12 companies if I only count the actual W-2 jobs and not the side hustles, day-jobs, and regular volunteer places. And I'm on my 4th career...whatever the heck career actually means anymore. Hoping to retire where I am now, but it seems I only manage to last about 5 years at most in a job before it's time to move on. So I'm not holding my breath.
nadiaco@reddit
20
djohnson64055@reddit
I am almost 50 (December), have had 24 jobs (some at the same time). Last two jobs have had for 12 yrs together, this one being 7.5 yrs which is longest I have been at any one job.
Bagoong4Lyfe@reddit
Maybe 20? 30? I'm not sure. A shit-ton of day labor. Telemarketing, moving jobs, roofing for a couple summers, tons of typing and word processing, waiting tables, fast food, proofreading, typesetting, test administration, PVC pipe factory work, art gallery and museum work, lots of tech work/support for nonprofits, on and on and on. I work as a web manager now, which pays better than any of the others but is zero fun. I've been in this job for 7 years, which is the longest for me.
Aeronaut_condor@reddit
Careers, I’ve worked in four different fields. Jobs? Probably 10.
DeezSaltyNuts69@reddit
why?
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
Perspective. I'm wondering if I'm an outlier.
DeezSaltyNuts69@reddit
I meant why have you had some many different jobs?
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
Oh, I see. A mix of things. A couple of careers and a shitload of jobs. I guess I'm trying to understand it myself.
Some were things I tried that didn't work. That old Chris Rock bit.
A lot were things that made money for a period and then the market changed. That's been a huge part of it.
My first degree was in journalism and I was a print photojournalist. That's not really a thing anymore. Then an exhibition printer, then an advertising photographer. Then back to making furniture, then software cms' / lms', then running an agency, then real estate development then burnout.
I just want something new. Something stable and won't fry my brain, or drown me in cortisol.
Sintered_Monkey@reddit
He isn't kidding about things drying up. As soon as you learn a new skill, *poof* the market is oversaturated, or the industry is in decline, or something like that. People sometimes wonder how I got such a diverse skillset. It wasn't really intentional or by choice. I had to in order to stay working.
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
FKpasswords@reddit
Jack of all trades
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
These days I feel more like a fuggin jaggoff of all trades.
MeetFried@reddit
T shirt Salesman Meter maid Outdoor salesman windows Outdoor salesman vacuums Inside sales security Inside sales insurance Teacher Inside Sales Watches Waiter Waiter Waiter Office Admin Waiter Teacher Teacher Director of Marketing SEO consulting Farm Hand Inside Sales Marketing Mover Gardener Marketing Manager Art Salesman Inside Sales Housing Community Outreach for the last 5 years.
25 jobs
I'm 34. This question was just too enticing for me hahaha
I'm pretty sure these are all the jobs I've had, not hustles I've had though hahaha.
TenuousOgre@reddit
Since graduating college, 6. And started, owned, and sold two companies.
poss-um@reddit
I've worked for 13 different organizations, but only 3 since 1999. One was for 20 years.
kludge6730@reddit
40 working years and 8 different employers.
Individual-Army811@reddit
9 in 40.years for me.
Sintered_Monkey@reddit
If I don't count dishwashing in high school, summer jobs, and contract/temp/gig work, I think 12. The longest I've been at a company was 10 years, but there was a layoff, a return to the company, and another layoff involved. A few months ago, they asked if I was interested in coming back a third time, and I said that two layoffs was my limit.
muphasta@reddit
Unpaid laboror at home
Helped an eldery neighbor with yardwork too
1st paid job - cleaning horse stables
2 - bailing hay
3 - A&W restaraunt
4 - dept store
5 - gas station
6 - navy
7 - (while in the navy) bike shop
8 - (while in the navy) stereo shop
10 - Defence contractor #1
11 - DefCon #2 (multiple projects, but always testing software)
12 - DoN civilian (many, many different projects and roles, could account for 8 - 12 different "jobs" but always DoN)
dcdiaz001@reddit
Before graduating high school 5 or 6 jobs. After High School 7. On my 7th job since 2017. 59 and counting. Not sure what my plans are. When I hired on in 2017 there were 5 of us that had the same title and work. Now there is 1, me. I'm telling my manager and supervisor this is NOT sustainable. I stress out every day. Traditional telephone company. It's all about the numbers....whatever, when I leave, all I can say is good luck
fucknozzle@reddit
4.
1988 - 1998 1998 - 2008 2008 - 2021 2021 - present
All in the same industry. No 2 was in Brazil, the rest in the UK.
I'm not very adventurous.
syzygialchaos@reddit
Industries in my career - 4
Individual companies during my career - 8
Distinct job titles within those companies- 14
I’m an engineer, and at this point I’ve done just about every type of common engineering professionally as well as program management.
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
I'm wondering if I should steer my son away from engineering.
Taskerst@reddit
I’ve had more jobs between 14 and 22 (7, only 3 of which were legal) than in the 24 years since (4).
mldyfox@reddit
Im an odd duck here, I think. Since the age of 18, I've had 4 different jobs, 3 with the same company. I've been at my company now for 33 and a half years.
gino_rizzo@reddit
I had four jobs. Burger King 1991-1992 Uni Navy 1993-2008 Energy company -2008-2010 Back to uni Present company 2015-tbd. I’m hoping to retire with this one.
RichR11511@reddit
15 Ages 17-25: 8 26 to 59: 7
loquacious_avenger@reddit
Emotional_Daikon_763@reddit
In my 40s and I count 21? And this doesn't include random side gigs (remote recording, illustration, etc.).
I also have like zero savings, but that was probably implied.
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
I counted side gigs unless they were clients of a business I owned
FatBastardIndustries@reddit
10 if you count stock trading in my Roth (making more than I did when working).
58 years old and retired.
Razzmatazz6314@reddit
6, 7 if I count my paper route.
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
Paper route absolutely counts
JJQuantum@reddit
13 total.
Seven_bushes@reddit
10, starting with a paper route when I was 10, and counting 6 jobs while I was in school/college. I’ve been in my current job, in increasing roles, for 19 years. I’m not a job hopper and I’ve done well with upward mobility. I’m hoping to retire in 2 years, good lord willing and the creeks don’t rise.
Square-Wing-6273@reddit
3, no 4.
I've done different tasks at my current job, but only counting it as one job.
Been here 35 years
IvoShandor@reddit
OMG ... too many. Between being slightly Aspie and ADHD. BUT ... after many fails, I finally found something that works for me and have been here almost 6 years.
BUT ... aside from high school mall jobs ..... the total is 13.
IBroughtWine@reddit
16
Bitter_Kiwi_9352@reddit
Paid jobs? 16 total. Longest was 12 years at one place.
tcrhs@reddit
I’ve had 8 different jobs in my lifetime.
Beautiful-Thinker@reddit
I’ve been an adult for 33 years and I’ve had somewhere between 18 and 20 jobs in that time. Some of those were internships, some were intentionally temporary, but most are just things that I felt ran their course within a year or two.
Arbennig@reddit
In 49 , I’d say since college about 18. Some temp jobs in between. Two jobs at about 5 years. Current at 3 but happy to stay here .
How many interviews ? For perm jobs. Well … I feel I’d be close to the Guinness world record.
nutmegtell@reddit
I’m 58. I had retail jobs in college - 4 or 5 maybe. Since then I’ve had two. I’ve been a teacher since 1991, except when taking 15 years for my job as a SAHM.
gauriemma@reddit
If I count summer jobs and on-campus college jobs, 15. If we’re just talking post-college, 9.
ichoosetodothis@reddit
33 and counting. I’m 54!!
Devilimportluvr@reddit
Shit I've had 3 in the past 2 months. Been fucking stressful
jcwillia1@reddit
Jobs or workplaces?
phenolate@reddit
Paper route, gas station attendant, bus boy, Associate Chemist, Grad-school teaching assistant, Lead Chemist, R&D Director, Principal Chemist = 8
in-a-microbus@reddit
We're gen-x.
You have to specify all jobs or just above the table jobs.
Slaves2Darkness@reddit
About 12, Over 25+ years as a software developer. One thing I would advise all people in IT, IS, CS is plan to be laid off. Tech pays great, but is very unstable profession. You need a t least 6 months of salary in a savings account for when, not if you get laid off.
Boomslang505@reddit
10 jobs in just over 40 years
jimonlimon@reddit
10 total employers between 14 and 58 when I retired: 5 during high school; 4 between 18 & 27; 1 from 27 to 58.
twstdbydsn@reddit
14.
Judgy-Introvert@reddit
10 here. Five of those were before I went to community college, five after. I’ve been in my current job for 10 years and unless they toss me out, I plan on retiring from here.
DeezSaltyNuts69@reddit
total really doesn't matter
HS/College - Retail/Grocery
Military/Intel community - the bulk of my adult life 20 years
Financial Sector - 2nd career
University - Adjunct teaching
game industry - designer/editor/researcher - hobby job
Otherwise_Coyote4885@reddit
As in true “adult” jobs - 7 over the last 25 years with the last two being for 7.5 and 9 years respectively.
Auferstehen78@reddit
15 by the time I was 25.
Since then I have worked for 1 company for the last 19 years, I changed departments once and have changed roles about 4 times.
MooseBlazer@reddit
Late 50’s, prob about 15 max different jobs in my life. Only 2-3 different ones after 40.
SpaceMonkey3301967@reddit
I'm 57. I've had 17 jobs in my professional career working in corporate America. I've been laid off 5 times.
I had 8 minimum wage-type jobs before starting a so-called "career".
MeatierShowa@reddit
Before College: Lawn Mowing, Boardwalk, Caterer, Warehouse
College: Gas Station, Boat Supply Store, UPS
Career: 5 Jobs
So like 12
tultommy@reddit
kylem8019@reddit
44 here, I've had 4 main jobs and 4 side part time jobs over those years so 4/4
oh_todd@reddit
More than 50 at last count
One-Safety5214@reddit
Doing a really rough count I think of work at 13 different places between high school and now! Is that typical/normal?
SomeCrazedBiker@reddit
Total of ten before going out on Disability.
Apprehensive_Emu7973@reddit
11 from 16 to 46. Hopefully it will be 12 soon.
JackedJaw251@reddit
Age 12-22 - worked in my dads bar
Age 22-25 - moved and bartended for a few years before getting a “real job”
Age 25-48 - same industry, but a couple different companies
Age 45 to present - complete change of industry with very little crossover from my previous 23 years
So not sure how I would frame that all
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
Waiting and Bartending you tend to rack up the numbers. I worked for 6 different restaurants
OldSailor742@reddit
mabye 20
Significant_Ruin4870@reddit
Starting at age fourteen, 13 paycheck jobs and one business of my own. One job I held for 14 years. One was so awful I left after 3 months and never put on my resume.
Puzzled_Plate_3464@reddit
Before college - paperboy and Perkins busboy/waiter/host/dishwasher.
During college - worked foodservice 35-45 hours a week.
After college I had two jobs, first one for six years, second for twenty two.
So, two 'real' jobs in adulthood. Retired now.
ultimate_ed@reddit
Let's see - 2 since graduating college. Been with my current company for 26 years.
High School/College - 3
So, looks like 5 altogether.
thefudd@reddit
Started working at 14, I've had 7 jobs
AnitaPeaDance@reddit
Do internships, student gigs, and housewifing count? I've lost count and don't care to remember TBH. I worked from 17 to about mid 40s before my health cannon balled and I needed a break. I don't want to go back. Ever.
Big-Development7204@reddit
14-18 I had 6 jobs, 5 of them were lifeguarding at different pools.
18-52 I've had 7 jobs, with 6 of them (and current) with the same employer I've been with since 1998.
aluminumnek@reddit
do family businesses count? beekeping in the spring and summer, xmas trees come winter.
bowling alley attendant
receiving clerk
warehouse jobs x3
green coffee inspector then roaster operator
roaaster for smaller coffee company
drywall, home remodeling.
Iron_Chic@reddit
7
JeffTS@reddit
Self employed for 2+ decades as a web developer. Before that, I had 4 jobs: prep cook/dishwasher, clean up for a roofing company, cleaner for a school district, and a web developer.
I highly recommend having your kids work as a cleaner for a local school district. Mopping up piss and washing shit off the stalls in the little boys room and emptying the tampon boxes in the girls room is an incredibly humbling experience.
colonel_pliny@reddit
46m here
I have done everything from pizza delivery to video editing. Have been at the job I am at now for 8 years. 15 years if we count being in the same industry. My total is in the high teens. Have been planning for the last 10 years on early retirement. Hoping the world does not catch on fire and we can still make it happen.
polishprince76@reddit
Before my mid 20s, its all a blur. Lots and lots. But since then, 2. One for 8 years and my current one for almost 17. Been lucky.
richbun@reddit
Only 4 career jobs in 31 years. Weirdly I was on job #3 within the first 2.5 years of my career, so only one change since in the last 28 years!
somegridplayer@reddit
6 (11 if you count promotions)
WingZombie@reddit
I'm 50 and have been at the same employeer for 29 years. The name on the paycheck has changed a couple of times do to mergers and such, but it's the same. I've had 11 different positions. Started out shipping and receiving on the dock and I've been as high as VP during that time. Currently occupying a nice Sr. Director role. Minimal education, just a decent head on my shoulders and a willingness to put in the work.
Prior to that I had 4-5 jobs.
avrus@reddit
I've got a lifetime of serious experience and I still feel like I'm fighting to stay above water.
Just went 363 days laid off before finding a job.
I'm terrified about being laid off in my 50s.
I'm tired boss.
Zeveroth1@reddit
Probably 9 or 10 if we aren’t county side stuff and jobs that lasted all of a few months or less in my early 20’s
lilcbra@reddit
52 here - I've had 14, been with my current employer for the last 11 years. Hoping this one gets me through til retirement! 🤞
tvieno@reddit
Since I left McDonald's, 8 employers, 2 careers, current employer: 17 years.
Patient-Cap-4004@reddit
When Nevermind was the number one selling album in the country, I started as a banquet setup teenager at a fancy full service hotel in downtown of the city I reside in. I was going to stick around maybe 6 months to a year while I got started writing my future bestselling novel thst I never got around to actually write 😆
Many decades later, my Chuck Taylor shoes wearing skateboarder, former self, clad in flannel, would say i was a sellout because of who i became: a mid-manager with a mediocre career of group sales in full service hotels.
Looking back at a disproportionate amount of hours worked factored in with shitty salaries and laughable bonuses, I'd say my 19 yr old was correct.
thedatagolem@reddit
Crafty-Ticket-9165@reddit
Since graduating college I am on 16th. Longest stay was nearly 9 years and shortest was about 2 weeks as it was a specific project.
soltydog@reddit
Maybe around 13 or so. Lots before college. I started work when I was 13 as a paperboy but every job only lasted 6 to 10 months. I moved on quickly. After college it was 6sh.
BillDuki@reddit
5 not counting bullshit high school jobs, and I’m in my 50’s.
ZetaWMo4@reddit
Three. Worked at Wendy’s for a bit in high school then had two jobs after college. My husband has had about 9 in that same time.
therian_cardia@reddit
11 has lasted me 14 years so far. Cabinet maker.
Out of the first 10, the only one that wasn't misery was Chick-fil-A. I was an assistant manager. I was in my early 20s and way too cocky but they still treated me way better than I deserved. The branch manager and the store operator I still hold in the highest regard , some 25 years later.
All the other jobs were mostly working for grocery stores or chain restaurants where I learned the hard way that there's nobody worse to work for than a corporation, generally speaking. Chick-fil-A being the only exception to it. All the others were simply awful.
I work for a small locally owned business now and that's the way it should be for me lol.
aligatorsNmaligators@reddit (OP)
I was a furniture maker for a while. Custom couches and chairs in San Francisco, if all places. I left that after constantly hearing "faster! faster! We're competing with Malaysia here! The only way to make money is through speed and volume!"
One day I had a small accident on the band saw and said "Eventually I'm going to have an accident with a resaw blade, or on the lathe or table saw. I'm out." and started a software business.
therian_cardia@reddit
Yeah that can be a risk.
We have the same pressure to compete but our market isn't so much competing with imports since we work at a level of custom that cannot be done without skilled people on-site and local. But staying competitive with other locals is challenging
dbrmn73@reddit
Prior to age 18: 4
18 to now: 6
FKpasswords@reddit
I can do everything/anything…brain surgeon application goes out next week thanks to chatgbt I also slept at holiday inn express
modest_irish_goddess@reddit
8! I tend to stick and stay if I can. I was at my last job for 22 years.
drifter3026@reddit
47 - 15 jobs and counting (10 years at current job)
FKpasswords@reddit
IDk probably like 100
chaoshaze2@reddit
I have only had 15 jobs. But I was in the military for 10 years and at my current job for 10 years so that filled 20 years of my life with only 2 jobs.
violet715@reddit
Post-education? 3, and a side gig as a personal trainer 2 nights a week. I spent 16 years at my first job.
fridayimatwork@reddit
11 official paystub jobs. Several other side hustle/cash ones, probably 8 of those
everyday95269@reddit
4, (the 3rd job had title/promotion changes over 26 years), I’m know on my 4th new career.
Hartford0061@reddit
Since I got of college, 2.
If you count all of my part time work while in school, 6 or 7, plus the two above.
satyrday12@reddit
WilliePullout@reddit
I’d say 12 for me this is my last one been here for 17 years. I too am tired. This place was fun now it’s all about every penny. One department had 22 jobs 2 years ago it now has they chopped it down to 11 which didn’t work. Now it has 14 so they almost doubled everyone’s workload here. I’ll have insurance for life so I’m just waiting to retire young. House has been paid off for years. I decided at 27 to go small. Never had kids and I could care less after being here this long at this age if I get fired most days. Took a lesser paying job just to get rid of stress and all the people. I sit in a corner do my thing go home. Life is much better not being in the rat race.