A friend of mine once told me that she knew it was time for radical change in her career when she found herself envying the bicycle couriers that frequented her office building. They bounded into the elevator, package in hand, intent on delivering that package. They looked so…CHEERFUL. Not stressed and overweight. Not worrying about long hours, promotions, projects.

Have you calculated how much time you average over a year on your job? Is it 60 percent…70? Or 80 percent? Think about it: if you’re not really enjoying your job, you’re spending most of your life doing something you don’t want to do. And you’re probably not performing as well as you could.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you think often about changing jobs or career?
• Does your current job offer recognition, appreciation, and satisfaction?
• Are you fearful that a layoff or other company action will take your job?
• Has it been a long time since you had a promotion? Are you doing the same work? Or more?

If you feel stalled in your job and are not sure what to do next, you might consider talking to a career counselor. He or she can help you decide not only what to do, but how to do it successfully.

What’s holding you back? Start thinking about changing your career before the decision is made for you … by others.