Tough jobs can stretch us and prepare us for the future. But Liz Ryan at Forbes.com says certain signs reveal when it may be time to change jobs.

1. If you experience stress that wakes you up in the middle of the night, or stress that doesn’t go away after you finish a big project, you need to seriously consider finding a different position in the company or a totally different job. Ask yourself, does this job require the best use of my time and talents? If not, begin searching elsewhere.

2. You see no opportunity for advancement in your company. Regardless of how hard you demonstrate what you’re capable of doing, or how far you stretch your job description, the horizon looks dim. Ask for more responsibility or further training. If this is not well received, start searching.

3. You can’t be yourself at work. Do you enter your workplace and adopt a persona that you would never take on when you’re with your friends? God created you uniquely and individually with special talents and gifts. If you are unable to be who you are, then start searching.

4. You dread going to work on Monday morning. Several factors can cause this, but if you find the work so dreadful, then you should start searching.

Work is a gift from God and a means to bring Him glory. Finding or creating a job that allows you to do that will be fulfilling.

Remember that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

If you have mounting stress over your credit card debt, you can avoid bankruptcy and pay them back in full by working out a debt management plan with our friends at Christian Credit Counselors. They are experts at helping believers overcome heavy consumer debt.