If you’re thinking about a new job in 2015, you’re in good company. A recent online survey by consulting firm Lee Hecht Harrison found that 48 percent of employees feel prepared to make a career change right now, while an additional 13 percent feel nearly ready. That’s a lot of employees poised for a major life change. If you’re one of them, consider these six tips for a successful job change:

1. Choose a path for your career. Unless you are paid well below market value, consider more factors to a job change than seeking a higher salary. Really think about what you enjoy doing and where you want your career to go. You may find yourself drawn to opportunities you might not have considered otherwise, such as a different job in the same industry, or a job in an altogether different industry. Make sure your desire for change is motivated by facts, not a “grass is greener” mentality.
2. Try to stay at your current job while you look. We know it’s tough to stay, especially if you dislike your job, but prospective employers will consider you more desirable if you already have a job. You’re probably also not desperate to jump at the first opportunity or salary you’re offered, so you’ll get a more competitive deal at the negotiations table. Unless your current job is truly hideous, try to stick it out!
3. Update your application materials. Dust off your resume, bio, or CV; bring it up to date; and customize your materials for the type of work you’ll be seeking. Review how to write mind-blowing cover letters, because you’ll be needing a few soon. Solicit new letters of recommendation and work out your 30-second elevator pitch. You never know when opportunity will strike.
4. Review your online presence. What happens when you type your name into Google? Hopefully you’ll see your LinkedIn profile and your professional website or portfolio. You might also see any professional blogs or articles you may have written, as well as any interviews, awards, or recognitions. When improving your online presence, incorporate keywords that reflect your industry and expertise. It will make you a better match for employers who are looking for those words, too.
5. Network, network, network. You know how important networking is to uncovering opportunities and landing jobs, so get cracking! Networking should be strategic: it’s about establishing meaningful professional relationships, not spamming everyone whose business card you picked up at that conference last week. So work on identifying new people who could benefit your network, and reach out to existing members of your circle, such as current and former colleagues and bosses. Remember, people like to work with (and hire) people they like!
6. Think about telling your boss you’re looking for work. This one’s a toughie, and your decision largely depends on your relationship with your boss. If you and your boss get along great and your boss is an understanding person, then disclosing your job search might be the right choice for you. After all, you wouldn’t want to burn a bridge or put your boss in a lurch by leaving suddenly. You might even get a counter-offer to stay. Then again, if you and your boss don’t have the best rapport, you might want to keep your job search mum until you’ve landed something. A job search can take months, and if your boss knows you’re a short-timer, you might find your duties—and your relevance—slowly drifting away from you. Plus you never know when a less-than-understanding boss might decide to end your employment early.

Career change can be a good thing, especially if you’re not feeling happy or fulfilled in your current position. Careful planning and preparation can set you up for a great new job this year!