Almost everyone considers changing jobs at one time or another, even those who wind up working at one company for life (these are very rare individuals indeed, at least nowadays). In most cases today, eventually a job and the person working at it are no longer a good match. Even if they are, other factors can come into play that lead you to consider moving on, such as personality conflicts, downsizing or a natural disaster that causes a plant to close. Whatever the reason, the time usually arrives when you need to make the big decision: Should you leave or should you stay?

Sometimes it's prudent to ride out some rough spots and stay where you are. Other times, the handwriting is on the wall: A job change is due.

But when is the right moment to jump off the ship? Certainly not when you're being thrown overboard or after the ship sinks. Though you may not think working for a living is like navigating the seas, in some ways it's precisely what you're doing. Like sailing, there are situations when you should change course, and there are times to keep an even keel.

Here's a quiz that will help you test the waters. An evaluation of your responses follows. The assessment will help you determine if it's in your best interest to get a new job or stay where you are.