Every job (even your dream job) has its drawbacks. Some days, your job just won't be fulfilling. On others, it'll raise your stress to dangerous levels. If you love your job, though, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks.

Too much drudgery and stress can be a sign that you are ready for a new job. If any of the following apply to you, you may want to consider making a career change.

• You spend your weekends dreading the work week. No one really likes Mondays, but if your job is ruining the precious time off you have, that's a problem.

• You have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. Even if you are a morning person.

• The thought of starting a new day depresses you.

• You feel stuck where you're at.

• You're bored. Boredom can be a huge energy drain: it makes you less productive, less enthusiastic and more unhappy.

• You aren't learning anything new. As human beings, we are always striving to grow and change. If things stay the same for too long, it often leads to discontent.

• You aren't being challenged enough.

• You no longer care about helping your company succeed. This is another side effect of boredom.

• You don't enjoy the work you're doing, either because you've lost interest or you've outgrown your responsibilities.

• You aren't as productive as you used to be.

• Your undesirable work situation is imposing on your personal life, making it difficult to enjoy family time and hobbies.

• Your family is suffering because you are unhappy at work.

• You spend your downtime browsing through job openings online, rather than doing something that will benefit the company.

Sometimes, a new job isn't the answer; you may just be suffering from burnout. Some time away from the office (whether it be a family trip to Disneyland or a staycationat home) may be all that you need to recharge your battery and become a happy, productive employee again.

Other times, time off is only a temporary fix. Perhaps you've known for some time that you should get a new job, but are unable to because you can't risk getting a pay cut, you are dependent upon your employer's insurance or you are just a few years from retiring.

It's a difficult situation to find yourself in: stuck in a career you don't want but unable to do anything about it. If you can't quit and start somewhere else, your only other option is to make the best of it, like it or not. Here are a few tips on how to do so.

Focus on your blessings

that have nothing to do with work like beautiful weather, precious moments with children, good food and your religious practices. Even though you likely spend most of your waking hours at work, it doesn't have to be your sole purpose in life.

Start working toward acquiring skills or certifications

that will help you qualify for a better job in the future. If nothing else, this will give you something meaningful to work toward, a benefit your company may not provide for you. It also makes you feel like you are doing something, rather than just waiting for things to change for you. This can improve your satisfaction with life immensely.

Learn more about your company

, about your job role or about someone else's job role. This ensures that you are always growing, which is crucial if you want to avoid chronic boredom.

Talk to your boss

about the possibility of branching out within your role. He may not know that you are suffering where you're at. Let him know that you are open to the possibility of more or additional work. He will most likely be more than happy to help you out.

Smile at yourself

in the mirror every day before you go to work. You may not have any control over your work situation, but you do have control over your attitude. A smile, even if forced, is very powerful.

If you haven't already, become friends with the people you work with

This will give you something to look forward to every day, even if you don't enjoy the work you are doing.

Stay optimistic about your future

You never know what opportunities may come your way.

Whether you're in a position to change jobs or simply have to make do with what you have, you always have control over one thing: how you will respond to your situation.