Same stuff, different day If you feel like you’re on autopilot at work, just going through the motions, you’re bound to be bored. Try pitching new project ideas to your boss to let him or her know you’re serious about staying.

The future is hazy You might find yourself questioning your exec’s intentions for the future of your department – or the company altogether. Maybe it’s time to have a conversation so you can be sure you’re on the same page about what you do and what’s expected of you.

It’s a dead end Change your attitude about career advancement. If you feel there’s no chance of moving up in your current company, get in touch with those who can point you in a direction you might not have considered before. I’ve found that asking the right questions is sufficiently ambitious.

Doing the bare minimum Only doing what is asked of you is sure to lead to walking out the door with your belongings in a box. I wouldn’t give a pay rise to somebody who didn’t go beyond the call of duty, so why would I expect somebody to pay me more for doing just that?

The anger boils within you Harbouring ill feelings toward your boss, company, or colleagues (yes, we all go there sometimes) will make it difficult to do your best every day. Be careful how you let that resentment show; people notice these things and it can put the kibosh on any chances of promotion.

Water cooler venting We all need somebody to complain to every once in a while, but the office gossips are often seen as the biggest threat to any organisation. Cut the chat and stay away from your fellow agony aunts; or do what I did – find a shoulder to cry on outside of work.

Retirement looks so inviting Yes, growing to a ripe old age and finally retiring is the be-all and end-all of our work existence. Who doesn’t fantasise about spending the rest of their days in some tropical paradise? If you’re so unhappy that you can’t wait to reach that goal, then what’s the point? Find an opportunity that will allow you to enjoy life to its fullest.

Read the original article by certified career coach Lindsay Broder at tinyurl.com/pj6f5t9