2. Your boss doesn't like you. This probably applies if "you don't support his approach or agenda, or she never solicits your opinion," says Wendleton, adding, "If you've ever done or said anything to undermine your boss, you might as well get out now."
3. Your peers don't like you. Being treated like an "outsider" is a clue. "If you feel isolated, gossiped about, and excluded from the inner workings of the organization, and if you have no sense of camaraderie at work," Wendleton says, "it's time to start planning to move on."
4. You don't get assignments that make the best use of your abilities. When the fit is bad, all the plum projects go to others, while you get the ones that play to your weaknesses, Wendleton says -- a sign that "your boss doesn't trust your judgment or believe you will do a good job."
5. You always get stuck with the "grunt work" no one else wants. "You can lobby for better projects and ask for assignments that will showcase your skills and heighten your credibility," Wendleton notes -- but don't be surprised if you don't get them.
6. You are excluded from meetings that your peers are invited to. Obviously, this is unmistakable evidence of outsider status, says Wendleton: "You don't feel that your ideas are valued or your contributions are central to the company."
7. Everyone else at your level has an office, while you have a cubicle in the hallway. Whatever your formal title, Wendleton observes, a lousy workspace "telegraphs your place in the informal hierarchy loudly and clearly."
8. You dread going to work. "If the idea of going to work makes you anxious or physically sick, and if you find yourself counting the hours until you can leave, you need to start job hunting," says Wendleton. Life's too short for this.
Your question suggests you're beset by at least six of these eight problems, twice the "three or more" that should have you aiming for the exit. It's far easier to find a job when you already have one, so why not think of your current position as a stepping stone to your next one?
And don't put it off: It's best not to wait until you're so demoralized that you can't be "up" for your job hunt. Good luck.
Talkback: Have you recently said "I quit!" despite the dismal job market? Have you ever felt stuck in the wrong job? What did you do about it? Leave a comment below.
