1- An advancement opportunity closes off
Believe it or not, getting a new desk or a steal-toe boot reimbursement is not the same as being passed up for promotion. Here are two primary situations that characterize a blocked advancement opportunity:

Your boss gives the promotion to someone else despite grooming you for the position.
If you were led to believe that the promotion was yours and it was given to someone else, it may be time to look for a new job. But before making any rash decisions, ask for an explanation. Your boss may just have a reasonable explanation, such as a better promotion around the corner. You truly are at a dead end. In a garden some things grow and some things die. If it looks like all the good opportunities are locked up and there are no others in sight, it may be better to leave sooner rather than later.

2- You are pushed into an unappealing position
Being placed into an unappealing position or having responsibilities slowly stripped away may indicate a temporary limbo status while the company is waiting to restaff you. It could also mean something entirely different, such as the possibility that you are simply being used to fill an undesirable position. Find out where you stand within the company. Ask yourself if you are one of the better performers? Is your salary overburdensome and out of line with your peers? The key here is to ascertain your value to the company and what intentions and plans your boss may have for you. If you sense there is a trend toward new blood, it could be that your job is in danger.

Are you constantly lied to? Are you suddenly the most senior in your department, but with no title or compensation? Might be time to leave…In either case, find out what your boss has in store for you. Talk things over with him and if you do not like what you see and hear, it is time for you to think seriously about finding a new job. Talking about your concerns is not likely to affect your career projection, as long as you are clear about your intentions. If your employer is happy with your work, they are not likely to try to replace you for your concerns -- if only for the cost of hiring and termination -- unless you indicate that you are extremely unhappy.

3- Breaches of trust
How often have you been promised a raise or bonus only for it to fall through? How often has your boss made big promises to you only to fail to keep them?

If you find yourself in a situation similar to this, voice your displeasure and see what your boss has to say. Trust is like an unspoken contract and a violation of such should include reparations of some sort. If your supervisor shows a lack of good faith toward you by failing to follow through on his promises, it is time for you to start packing your bags and looking elsewhere. Don’t get caught constantly waiting on the promise of “next time.”

4- Downsizing is on the horizon
Always keep an eye out for where the industry and your company are headed. Be wary of any downturns and any signs that your company’s sales growth may be slowing, especially if your firm is a public traded entity. In today’s financial markets, top-level management is constantly focused on delivering quarter-by-quarter results, which has unfortunately led to a rather short-term perspective when it comes to staffing.

If it looks like downsizing is in the forecast in next few months or even the next year, it is time to start thinking about your own future now. Downsizing is a huge billboard and you should start looking before others in your firm do. Give yourself time to find a better job and avoid those who are rushing for the exit.

5- Your boss is jumping ship
Is there something that you do not know? If the captain abandons his ship there may be good reason for you to get out as well. Do some sleuthing and try to delve into the details of why he or she may be leaving the firm. If he was quietly forced out, your investigation can rest; however, if the departure makes little sense it may be time to stretch your job feelers yourself. Walking to the exit knowing when it is time to leave is a skill that we all have to master. There are times when making a quick departure is so much better for our careers than sticking around. It is also better for our psyche and morale. Pay attention to the signs around you… is it time to go or to stay?