Recent changes in the workplace have given rise to the following misconceptions or "myths" about the future of career development: loyalty and job security have disappeared; contingent employment reflects the "end of the job"; and the workplace of the future will continue to be youth focused. In reality, concerns over loyalty and job security have resulted in the increasing popularity of new employment contracts. Unlike traditional contracts, which benefited employees by offering them job security for perseverance on the job, the new contracts benefit employers by locking in valued employees and restricting their mobility. The offer of attractive employment compensations comes with restrictions that protect and benefit the employer. If employees are to ensure employment on mutually acceptable terms they learn to negotiate and develop the skills that employers want. Negotiation of any employment contract is possible. Rather than threatening full-time employment, contingent employment often signals the "beginning of the job" rather than the "end of the job" inasmuch as it places workers in positions that offer them new entries into the workplace and linkages to more traditional, full-time employment. Alternative work arrangements can be particularly attractive to workers who prepare for full-time jobs in fields that are new. The increasing focus on youth in the workplace will result in a labor shortage that will necessitate reversing the focus on youth and turning instead to older workers. (Contains 13 references) (MN)