I am very unhappy where I am and want to start looking to leave as soon as 09 gets here; should I tell my current company I will be looking to move on (but not resign)? I want to be straight forward - and enjoy the sense of satisfaction of telling them!

Why do you want to risk getting fired?

I've been here several years, they can't fire me, not legally anyway. Would be a nice payday if they did!

No. Just plod on with what you're doing and look for another job. Only tell them once you've secured your new job and don't burn your bridges when you leave. People have an amazing habit of turning up when you least expect it.

Tricky one, I have been thinking about - Job search is made harder by being staffed with clients all over the world. I have missed interviews for two possible roles due to this.I was considering handing in my notice and using the 3 months to search full time.Risky in the current climate but there seems to be a fair number of roles about but industry and contracting at the moment.

Yer Yer typos above - I know flame me .......

Conventional wisdom is always job search in confidence and enjoy telling your employer after your new contract is signed, unless you happy to spent a few months on the beach if it doesn't go your way...

dont think that your job is indispensable- all jobs are!!obviously, do not tell them that you are looking for a new job. Express your interests , yes, but look ( quietly) for another position on the side. Once you have secured it, then you can leave if things havnt improved.

idiot where i worked told boss they had a new job before handing on notice, then put in for voluntary redundancy and was declined most likely becuase they know he was going anyway. He would have been given the redundancy otherwise. 20K lost for not keeping mouth shut.moto - shut up, get new job, move on, no point burning bridges

You are under no obligation to tell your employer and you will get crap projects if you tell them. When you land your new job, you want to be in a strong a negotiating position as possible. Being on the bench with your current employer will not help you.I am assuming like all consultants (myself included) you are a bit insecure. It will show.Most employers will perform initial interviews over the phone and in consulting understand you are generally only around on Friday's for the face to face meeting.

"I've been here several years, they can't fire me, not legally anyway. Would be a nice payday if they did!"You may wish to check UK employment law, you may be in for a shock!