I completely agree that the face of business is changing drastically and it is more of the norm to have multiple jobs in a shorter amount of time. I also like the term “free agent”.

Perhaps I overstated when I said that an employer would be happy to provide a great reference. I think they should at least be understanding of why you are leaving, and then yes, if you have made an impression and a connection, then comes the great reference. Thanks for making me really think about what I wrote
Keep the comments coming!

Okay seriously, a manager that takes your resignation personally probably won’t be moving on up any time soon. Especially in the coming years, business will no longer be like the past, where people stick around in corporations for a while as the balance of power shifts more and more to the individual. I believe “free agent” is the term people use.

And yes you probably are naive (but who am I to talk?). It’s just that the way you phrased it sounds like a “wham bam thank you ma’am”, metaphorically speaking (forgive the crudeness). I’m sure it was implied, but as Ferrazzi would say, you need to have made some sort of an impression on your managers/coworkers. They’re not obligated to write you a great reference. I think this is the part where the sharing your dreams + make a connection comes in.

Happy thinking (: