PHOTOS

: </a>Whether you're simply unhappy, climbed the ladder as far as you could, or you're burnt out, it's better to recognize the tell-tale signs it's time to make a career move now than after getting <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/11/30/so-youve-been-fired-now-what-how-to-get-back-in-the-game/">fired or laid off</a>. And with <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703548604576037612752480904.html" target="_blank">job offers increasing and the economy set for rebound,</a> this could be a prime opportunity for you to explore your options. BlackEnterprise.com talked to Kelly A. Morgan,<a href="http://www.coachkellyspeaks.com/" target="_blank"> career coach</a> and founder of <a href="http://www.sage-ps.com" target="_blank">SAGE Professional Strategies L.L.C</a>, on signs its time to move on.–Janell Hazelwood

: </a>You dread going into work in the morning. If you're apathetic about work–coming in late and leaving early without a care or concern for the consequences–this could be a sign, Morgan says. "You may even pray for snow days, power outages, and other weather-related acts of God just enough to prevent you from having to go into work."

: You spend more time complaining about the nature of the job than working. You find fault with everything and everybody.

: </a>You’re bored, <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/05/03/how-to-turn-stagnation-into-motivation/">unmotivated </a>or disinterested in your day-to-day tasks. You find no enjoyment in what used to be the fun aspects of your job. Your lunch hour is the highlight of your day.

: </a>You're often overlooked for <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/07/06/5-ways-to-improve-your-visibility-as-a-leader/">promotions and big projects</a>. <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/11/09/how-to-deal-with-the-boss-from-hell/">Your boss</a> will not let you apply for other internal job opportunities or recommend you for project teams and assignments. Each year you carry over the same goals for your training and development plan because you are told there is not enough money in the budget for training.#####

: </a>You have a strong <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/11/04/3-passion-to-profit-myths-debunked/">passion to do something else</a>. The thought of another career makes your heart smile and energizes your mood.

: </a>You respond with an attitude when people ask you to do your job. For example, when someone asks to add a milkshake to a fast food order/answer the phone at the receptionist desk/check another size at the clothing store/submit a monthly sales report by the due date, you respond with rudeness, aggression, or don't acknowledge their request. This happens regularly, not just on an off day.

: </a>Your job is negatively affecting your home life or health. You are having headaches, mainly during work hours and <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2011/01/11/depression-the-black-communitys-dirty-little-secret/">mental stress</a> leading to rapid weight loss or gain. You take work home, so there is no real distinction of down time and being off from work. Your family says you're not there (mentally and physically) and you realize they are not being unreasonable.

: </a>If you recognize these signs, it may be time to make a move. Here's where to start: <li>Update your <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/12/03/seo-for-jobseekers-how-to-search-optimize-your-resume/" target="_blank">resume </a>and begin your <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/11/15/how-to-maximize-references-in-your-job-search/">job search</a> before submitting your resignation. "It is easier to get a job when you have a job," Morgan says.</li> <li>Be patient and persistent. "The job search may not be as quick and easy as you expect," Morgan says. "And who knows? Perhaps the job search will give you a new appreciation for your current work environment after all."</li> <li>Be specific and create a list to achieve your goals. "Ask yourself, 'Are the changes you need to see possible and realistic for your current job situation?'" Morgan asks. "Which of these changes are within your control and which are not?"</li> For more on career advancement and transitioning see: <li><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/11/30/so-youve-been-fired-now-what-how-to-get-back-in-the-game/">So You've Been Fired…Now What?</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/04/01/taking-it-to-the-next-level-2/">Taking it to the Next Level</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/04/01/since-you-asked/">Since You Asked: Transitioning Into a New Career</a></li>