We’ve all been there before. If not, we know someone who has. We switch jobs and almost immediately regret the decision. By then it’s too late to eat crow and go back to the old job and if we decide to switch again, we’ll be labeled as a frequent job-changer.

For this reason, it’s important to do a full personal inventory before starting a job search. Here’s a checklist to help:

• Layoffs are looming. If you have good reason to believe that your job may be downsized, it’s definitely time to start putting résumés out there.
• The money is insufficient. Unfortunately, sometimes even in a job you love, you may find that the money or benefits do not meet your family’s needs. At that point, since the needs of your family come first, you may not have a choice, even if it means landing in a job that isn’t exactly your first choice.
• The job is too consuming. The opposite of the money problem is an “overwork” problem. If your boss expects you to work 24/7 to the detriment of your family, it may be time to reevaluate. Even if a job change means a slight cut in pay, family should always come first.
• Work is excruciating. If you find yourself filled with dread on your morning drive to work, it may be time to think about looking for a new job. While most people frequently have a “case of the Mondays,” severe dislike of one’s job is unhealthy. Life is too short to live that way forever.
• Your company has ethical issues. In some cases, management is doing things that are either illegal or against an employee’s moral values. In this case, you probably already have your résumé out there. Be cautioned that you could be held legally responsible for the things you do, even if your boss demands you do them or risk being fired.

While a person is never guaranteed a better opportunity with a job change, in some cases things can only get better. Don’t let fear hold you back. Just make sure you’re switching for the right reasons.