druiaghtagh, it is pretty common place for people to work within such a culture, and something that I have personal experience of. However, I have often found it to be a managerial issue, rather than an organisational quirk. If you find it difficult to find work outside of the organisation, then it might be worth looking for other positions within the organisation itself, working for different people, with possibly different objectives and a different outlook on life. However, if you do not feel confident that there are areas within your business that do not have this mentality, then it may well be a good idea to grasp the new challenge of new employment, and when possible opportunities come to interview, you have a valid, respected and honest reason as to why you have looked for another employer. There will be other opportunties, they just might be harder to pin down.......if you want another job, you can get one, just go for it! Best of luck.