Change your career in the new year, says CareerJournal.com

If youíre unhappy at work, the new year is a good time to examine your options, says CareerJournal.com, The Wall Street Journalís executive career guide.

One way to make your career more meaningful is to determine if your current job could be more enjoyable. Offering to take on new responsibilities, finding a mentor or learning something new may improve the situation.

If there are too many obstacles to achieve happiness in your present situation, you may decide youíre ready to jump ship.

ìYour situation probably wonít improve on its own,î says Tony Lee, publisher, CareerJournal.com. ìItís all about making choices and taking action to find a job youíll be happier in. With the employment market on an upswing, now is a good time to consider making a career change.î

CareerJournal.com advises career changers to do their homework to determine the skills they need to qualify for a new job or enter a new industry. Network with business contacts, attend professional meetings and conduct other industry-specific research. On your resume and in interviews, highlight your skills, as well as your interpersonal, management, technological and communication abilities. If you lack required credentials, seek the training you need to bridge the gap.

If youíre ready to leave your current work situation behind and move toward something new or different, CareerJournal.com offers the following tips:

Complete a self-assessment so youíll be better able to focus your job search or career direction.

Explore roadblocks and opportunities to identify whatís holding you back.

Create an action plan that maps out potential new careers or revamps your career goals.