By Maureen Perideaux

Pulse has dropped, breathing has slowed . . . is anyone here a doctor? This career is flatlining fast! Are you suffering careeritis? The symptoms include loss of attention to detail, wondering if it’s too late to change careers, compulsively checking the job boards and fantasizing about quitting and moving to Rio .

We’ve all experienced the drudgeries of work, the battles of office politics, a boss that does not tap into our strengths, the lack of challenging projects, etc. For some the episode is fleeting and they’re quickly back on their feet after addressing the issues that brought on feelings of frustration and depression. Others, however, decide on radical change. Perhaps they exit altogether and finally gather up the nerve to do what they’ve always wanted to do. But what to do when you’re just plain stuck?

It’s time to breathe some new life into your career and get the ideas circulating again. To get things pumping again, take action! It’s time to stop crying in your margarita and start asking questions:

· Is it me or the situation? Have I lost passion for my work entirely, or am I just fed up with where I work?

· What do I really want to do? Honestly. (Suspend all judgment at this point.) What makes me smile? What makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something important? If there were no constraints, no obstacles, no difficult people, what I would love to do every single day is ________________.

· What do I have to do to make this happen? Move to a new city ? Go back to school? Start a business? Learn a new skill or language?

· Who can I talk to who can help me figure out how to make all this happen? Get on the phone. Meet for lunch. Email. Brainstorm, seek advice and remain open to possibilities.

Now that the blood is flowing again, do one thing today that will move you in the right direction. Tomorrow, do another. Keep on going until you find yourself doing work you love.

Maureen is a regular contributor to Mujeres camino al exito.