Who among us hasn't said, "Boy, I'd stay in this job forever if only ..." Now fill in the "if only." It could be "if only I had to work three days a week," "if only I could work at home part of the time," "if only I didn't have to push all these papers" or whatever would make the job ideal for you. When most people reach this point, they start looking for new employment. But before leaving (and starting 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 about reality for a moment. If your current job could be

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anything you wanted, what would it be? What would happen in a typical day? Write a detailed description, and think big.

2. List your action steps. Now that you know what you want, think about how you might make it happen. Say you want to work at home two days a week and go to the office the other three. Your first step would be to research telecommuting and find out what your company currently offers. Or say you'd like to move to part-time status but still keep your benefits and seniority. Your first move would be to learn the company's "official" policy and then start looking around the office for exceptions. As you go down your list, jot down notes about how each item could be accomplished.

3. Write your proposal. After you've researched the problem and come up with workable solutions, write a note 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 get more accomplished, it will save the department money, it will help the company recruit other desirable employees; just make sure you emphasize the benefit to the company rather than yourself)
• The steps necessary to make the change, along with a timeline (here's where you use your national and company-wide research)

5. Celebrate your victory -- or plot your escape. If the company values your contribution, a job can often be rejiggered to meet your needs. But you may also get a flat "no." If your desire for a job overhaul is greater than your need for your current job, it's time to send around your resume. But now you're ahead of the game; you know what you want and how to propose it. You just need to find a receptive employer.