Question: I am 29 years old and have worked for the same company since graduation. I began at an entry level and rapidly achieved greater levels of responsibility. Through my own initiative... and by proving I could do a high quality job, I earned my current senior position.

It was a long, hard road, not because of the work, but because of my boss. And I'm not sure how much longer I can hang in there. It is a small company that has grown substantially (in output, not staff) partly because I have stepped in and been able to do so much. My boss is eager for me to take on new responsibilities, but disinclined to grant me appropriate credit or demonstrate outwardly how much of the quality work we produce is thanks to me.

He recognizes me privately, informally. But he does not allow me to communicate with media (unless I ghostwrite using his name) and discourages me from developing a rapport with senior level colleagues in related businesses, even where it would be entirely appropriate. He fails to introduce me, or "forgets" to tell me about receptions and other social gatherings where I should, by rights, put in an appearance given my senior position in the business....his not so subtle efforts to "keep me down" hurt me. I feel that I am being punished for being good at what I do.

I like my boss as a person, but I do not like him as a manager. He tends to be combative, especially under stress. Image and ego are so important to him, he seems to try to make himself feel superior by domineering and reminding everyone "I'm the boss"... My co-workers have similar complaints about his "management style".

He seems to want to communicate effectively but his impulsiveness and immaturity get the better of him - he is quick to twist words around, to bully to badger..we have tried to communicate, but ultimately, this is his personality and I do not expect it to change - or my reaction to it.

Over the years, I've sent out résumés and followed up on occasional ads. But I don't seem to get calls except for jobs that would be a move backwards, possibly because of my youth. I am very confident in my abilities...and my production level is very high. I feel I can get this message across in an interview, but I don't know how to get interviews.

My career is important to me. Lately, I have been depressed, and this is worrying my family and me. I feel I have to make a move to help myself, but I don't know what that move should be.

Answer: You're right, that you have to make a move. You've outgrown this job and this boss.

According to Dr. Sharyn Salzberg Ezrin, a psychologist and a career coach with whom I discussed your quandary, "you're long overdue for a change". This is an "exploitative relationship...and it's not in your best interests to stay trapped in it."

Careers are built on dedication and hard work. But also on recognition and acknowledgment of effort. And this has been "neglected by your boss", Salzberg Ezrin says. "You may have wasted a few years already since your accomplishments have not been visible."

Still, you've learned a tremendous amount. And while your knowledge and expertise helped build this business, it's now yours to take away with you.

It might be helpful to examine why you've stayed overlong in this negative situation.

More than age, it's your "ambivalence" that holds you back, suggests Dr. Eva Klein, a corporate psychologist. You've stayed because you love your work and your senior title, and also because you can't quite imagine rocking the boat.

As Klein observes, you seem "hesitant about conflict". But careers don't always develop harmoniously, and at times, you have to fight for what you want. "You have to be able to deal with conflict, confront difficult situations. This doesn't mean that you have to be combative, but you do have to be persistent and not let difficult situations fester."

Both Salzberg Ezrin and Klein advise you to take action to take control. "Begin to search quietly," Salzberg Ezrin suggests. And from Klein: "Start networking. Your boss may discourage you, but no one can forbid you."

And don't wait passively for advertisements to appear. Instead, target key employers in your field. Contact senior people in each organization. Tell of your keen interest, give a brief overview of your accomplishments, skills and background. Ask for an opportunity to sit down "at some point over the summer", to talk about their current and future needs for someone with a background like yours.

Slowly and professionally, market yourself in this targeted way. Take confidence in your accomplishments. Don't apologize for your age. "Sell" your enthusiasm, your desire, take on greater challenges and advance in your field. Good luck!