Being stuck in an unsatisfying career is an everyday reality for many, many people. Most of us have, at one time or another, worked in positions that left us feeling unhappy or, at the least, unfulfilled. The way many people deal with such feelings, especially in the context of financial pressure and the Australian work ethic, is to put their heads down, work harder and hope for things to change.

But once you are entrenched in a career, it can be seem very, very hard to leave.

Employee engagement levels have declined to their lowest levels since 2008, according to Aon Hewitt’s 2013 Global Engagement Report, and the unfortunate fact is that most people who are unhappy in their job won’t leave for one reason or another.

If you’re ready for a career change but nervous about jumping ship, consider this: the worst thing you can do for yourself is stay in a career that’s making you miserable. Changing jobs doesn’t need to be risky or difficult – if it’s done in the right way. Remember, times have changed. You’re no longer expected to choose one job and stick with until you retire. It’s common for today’s worker to change jobs every few years until they settle into the career they want.

If you’re ready to leave your job but you’re nervous about the change – or you’re not sure what you would actually prefer to be doing – asking yourself these questions might help

• What makes you happy?

What would you be doing with your life if you didn’t need to consider income? How would you spend your time each day if money were not an issue? These kinds of questions can help you understand what really motivates you and what you would actually like to achieve with your life. Running out of money is bad – but running out of time is worse.

• What are your strongest skills?

While you might not have loved your previous jobs, you probably learned a lot from them. Don’t see your former career as a waste of time – instead consider the skills you have developed over the years and how those skills could be used in a new role.

• What did you enjoy most about your previous jobs?

This question can help you decide what sort of company and position you should be looking for. Make a list of the things you liked and the things you didn’t like at your last few jobs. This is a pretty simple way of working out what sort of position would make you happy.

• What are your personal strengths?

When somebody pays you a compliment, what are they focusing on? Do they praise your work ethic, your creativity, or your people skills? It can be incredibly difficult to recognise and evaluate your own strengths, but by focusing on compliments and good feedback from others you can put modesty aside and evaluate the good things other people have noticed about you. Write a list and refer back to it – it will help you prepare for interviews and give you a boost when times are tough.

• How do you fit in with your company’s culture?

If you’re feeling disengaged and unsatisfied in your current job, it may not be your position or the work you’re doing – you simply might not fit into your company’s culture. If you’re an extrovert who loves dealing with people, flying solo behind a desk all day might become boring and stifling. However, if your desk is in an open plan office with lots of workmates around, you might be just as happy doing exactly the same work.

• Have you considered all of your options?

These days there are career pathways that you may have never even considered. Do some research into jobs that sound interesting in your current industry and then widen your net. There may be career options within your current industry that fit your personality and interests, or there may be an entirely different career that’s within reach. You’ll never know unless you look.

If you’re feeling depressed about being stuck in your job, remember that you’re not alone. Most people spend a lot of time thinking about their careers and how to improve them. Talk to your friends about their jobs and aspirations. Talk to your peers about opportunities within the company or industry. Talk to a recruitment specialist about making a career transition. Nobody will blame you for wanting to improve your situation and there is plenty of great advice out there if you know where to find it.

There’s no reason to stay in a job that’s not making you happy.