Do you have more ambition than just to go to work, bring money home and spend it? Then you should actively manage your career. To get started, look around you and see whether it is not your own behaviour that prolongs your path to a promotion or participation in new more interesting projects. Eight warning signals of a stagnant career and practical solutions to overcome them were published on Inc.com.
People around you assess you as moderately good
That basically means that you don't move anywhere. Go, therefore, to your bosses, peers and subordinates and ask what you can improve.
Your boss assess you as a good employee but doesn't promote you
Then he might not be completely honest to you. If you want to change it, just reach out to him asking what you can do to improve.
You boss criticizes you still the same way
Perhaps you aren't listening to him well enough and you should improve in listening. You don't have to agree with the feedback from your boss. You should, however, carefully consider it.
Your company lays off staff
If this is not a one-off issue, you are probably not working for a healthy and growing company. It is, therefore, not a bad idea to look for a job elsewhere. You don't have to leave, but you should be prepared.
More and more good people leave
Observe the situation and try to figure out why. The simplest explanation is usually the right one. It is probably the time to dust off your resume.
Everything is secret
If you don't work for a company where keeping secrets is rooted directly in its culture, something is wrong. If you are surrounded by paranoia, consider moving your career to a nicer place.
You company stagnates and does't make money
Then your career is stagnating along with it. Another reason to be interested in working elsewhere.
-kk-