Making a decision to quit your job can be a difficult one, especially if you have been in your role for a certain amount of time. Although job loyalty is looked upon positively, don't let it hinder your career advancement prospects.

When you have been stuck in your role for a certain period of time and put in enough effort yet no one seems to recognize your hard work, there may be a lack of career planning for you as an employee.

When you are seen as yet another faceless worker bee fulfilling a job function, there may be greener pastures elsewhere. Before you make the leap, talk to your supervisor to see if there can be career plans made for you. If no career advancement plans are put in place, it's a clear sign that you should find another organization that will value you.

There is a difference between feeling no passion on another dreary Monday and an utter lack of passion for every working day. When every work day blends into another without a significant difference and you find your work extremely boring, something is clearly wrong.

When you are unhappy, it reflects on your physical health as well - so that persistent cough or flu could indicate that even your body is crying out for a change in work environment.

A good employee can only go so far with mediocre leadership. Without a captain to steer the ship in the right direction, it becomes lost in the open sea. When bosses are unable to motivate, inspire and lead their employees, it creates a negative work environment in which employees find themselves at a loss most of the time.

Every office comes with its own set of office politics. It could be a boss who is mean to you - and doesn't change despite honest talks between the both of you or if the matter is escalated to your human resources department.

The worst you could do is to suffer in silence and hope that things will change. Your silence could be mistaken as acquiescence and the perpetrators will continue pushing your buttons until life becomes intolerable.

It may have seemed like the right opportunity at the time, but human beings evolve throughout the various phases they undergo throughout their lives. Most professionals aspire toward bigger and better goals. If your current position is not conducive for attaining your career aspirations, a change is likely in order.

If you have gone through this entire checklist and ticked one or more scenarios, it could be time for you to move on.

Talk with industry peers so that you know what is going on in the job market. Stay abreast of job trends by reading industry-specific publications. Update your portfolio and resume so that you can start marketing yourself to new potential employers.

(Contact gaoyuan@chinadaily.com.cn for questions and career advice.)

Contributed by Jenny Guo, manager of sales and marketing, FMCG & Cosmetics divisions, at Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd China.