Transform your job

Is a change really necessary?
Frances Harre, co-director of Forte Career and Business Designs, says many people operate most of the time on autopilot, then go on holiday and realise things are not quite right.
However, being dissatisfied with your job does not mean you should be preparing to quit.
"A lot of people spend time whinging to friends, husbands and wives but there's a barrier to get over to get from whinging to action."
She says that if you want a change you need to start "committed complaining", where you actually plan to take action about the things that are bothering you. Simply altering the way you think about your job can make a huge difference. Plan out where you want to be in one year, five years, 10 years - and then how your current position fits into that plan. Harre says when people understand their "bigger picture aspirations", their current problems seem less dire.
Dealing with a difficult boss
If you are not getting on with one of your managers, it is important to find someone independent to whom you can talk about the problem, Harre advises.
Work out what exactly what about your boss is the problem. She says people with problems with their managers can "grumble or love their way out". Turn around your thoughts about the boss, taking ownership of the problem. Constant complaining about your manager is very disempowering, Harre says. "Look for creative solutions. Strategise, plan, think about how you are going to manage it."
Problems with managers can run the gamut from minor irritations to serious problems. Harre says it's important to get someone to act as a sounding board. "Get some distance on the problem rather than leaving it until you scream and walk out." Brainstorm ways to improve your relationship, whether it is improving communication or renegotiating your responsibilities.

Get a career that inspires you
Harre admits she may be biased, but recommends seeing a careers adviser if you are stuck in a rut and want to take a new direction.
Someone objective can take an audit on where you have got to and where you are going. Harre says even if you take small steps it is better to do something than nothing.
Talk to someone who is in a position you admire or envy, and ask them how they got there.
Find out exactly what qualifications are needed for your dream job. Be clear about what your strengths are and consider what you enjoy doing.
Harre says as it looks likely the retirement age will go up, it's even more important that people are doing work they love.

Time management
Bad time management can affect all facets of your job and life. It can stop you achieving everything you should at work, affecting your ability to progress. It can also mean you work long hours to get everything done, and miss out on a work-life balance.
Keep thorough "to do" lists, with daily and weekly tasks listed in order of priority. Schedule breaks at regular times, so you concentrate when you are meant to be doing work. Learn to delegate.
Try to handle every document only once. Learn to say no - with practice it will become easier.

Ask for a pay rise

Research and preparation are important when it comes to negotiating a raise. Find out what other people in similar positions, both within your company and in the wider sector, are paid.
Outline what you bring to the company: what you have achieved and what training you have had since your salary was set that makes you more valuable to the company. If there is not enough money around to give you a rise, think laterally. You might be able to negotiate other improvements to your contract, like more leave or perks such as a car or phone. Prepare notes, but always have the meeting in person.
How to know when it's time to quit
There are two main reasons to call it a day: If your job has no chance of getting you where you want to be in your career, or if you have put in a lot of effort to improve your circumstances and have got nowhere.
Ask yourself the following questions: Do you ever talk about your job in a positive light in social situations? What can you see happening in the future if you stay with the company? Do you have to compromise your own values in order to do your job? Does the business have a future? Are you likely to get any career development?
Harre says people often come to her who can't see a way out: "There's always a way forward. People just need to reach out and start to ask."