Can your current IT job hurt your IT career?

Can your current IT job hurt your IT career?  This question has come to mind recently and I decided to write a few thoughts down on this question.

1. In your current position, are you working with the latest technologies?
If you are not, I think this can hurt you.  You end up getting good at technology, but the question is are you getting up on the latest technology?  If you are not, and your next potential employer asks you about your experience with something that everyone is going to, how is that going to look to them?  Its quite possible they will send you on your way.

2. In your current position, are you working with the latest hardware/software?
Its all good to be putting in Cisco 3560/3750 switches and all, but are you putting in Nexus switches?  Again, its good that you are getting experience and getting good at some things.  But again, are you getting good at what the new trends are?  If you are still working on Cisco Pix firewalls, you are behind.  If you left a company that had Cisco and now you are working with SMC and Lynksys HUBS/switches, you may want to consider going back to your old company (if your reason was to do better in technology).

3. Is your current employer investing money in you?  Are they paying for certifications and sending you to training?  If they are not, find somewhere that will.  Certifications help them as well as you.  This brings new knowledge to you (for them).  If they wont help you help them, move on.

My point here is that you always have to consider where technology is and where YOU are.  You dont want to be left behind if you are trying to get ahead in technology.