A job search or career change can be daunting, even in good times. In lean times it may seem downright impossible. It’s tempting to resign yourself to holding on, to scale back on your aspirations. You think no one’s hiring.

Although you don’t want to jeopardize yourself or your family’s future, it’s a mistake to do nothing. Read through the points below. Which are you doing? Confident about? Which need more attention?