Who amongst us hasn't said, ‘I'd do this job forever, if only...’

Now fill in the ‘if only’. It could be ‘if only I could work a three-day week’, or ‘if only I could work from home a bit’, or ‘if only I didn't have to do all this paperwork’, or whatever it is that would make the job ideal. When most people get to this point, they start looking for a new employer. But before you resign (and start a new job that will have problems of its own), consider whether your current job could be improved. Here's how:

1. Draw up your dream plan. Forget reality for a moment. If your current job could be anything you wanted, what would it be? What would you do on a typical day? Write a detailed description, and think big.

2. List your next steps. Now that you know what you want, think about how you might make it happen. Let’s say you want to work from home two days a week and go to the office on the other three. Your first step would be to research teleworking and to find out what your company currently offers. Or perhaps you'd like to work part-time, but still keep the same pension and position? Your first move would be to find out the company's ‘official’ policy on this and then – if necessary - start looking around the office for exceptions. As you go down your wish list, keep notes on how you might make each thing happen.

3. Write a proposal. After you've researched each issue and come up with viable solutions, send a written memo to your manager. It should cover these points:

• The change you'd like to make
• The benefits of allowing you to make the change (you'll learn new skills, it will save the department money, it will help the company recruit other desirable employees… just make sure you emphasise the benefits to the company rather than to yourself)
• The steps you consider necessary in order for the change to be made, with suggested timings (this is where you put your research into action)

4. Meet with your manager. After your boss has had time to reflect on your proposal, arrange a meeting to discuss the details. It's helpful to draw up a list of possible objections, along with your suggested solutions (remembering, of course, to respond to each objection in a way that demonstrates your company loyalty).

5. Celebrate your victory -- or plan your escape. If the company values your contribution, a job spec can often be adapted to meet your needs, but you might also get a flat refusal. If your desire for change is greater than your need for your current job, it's time to circulate that CV. But of course you’re now streets ahead - you know what you want and how to ask for it. You just need to find a receptive employer...