a contingency plan When you see one or more of the following warning signs at work, it's probably time to dust off the CV, says Personal Career Management 's Corinne Mills 1. Watch the money A pessimistic financial forecast is often the first warning sign. The loss of a major customer or source of funding is another. If you start dealing with irate suppliers who haven't been paid or your salary is late, expect the worst. 2. New chief executive New CEOs are brought in to make change and they like to shake up the existing senior management team and their departments. Make no mistake, everyone's place in the organisation is up for review. 3. Rhetoric alert When corporate communications seem to be teeming with new rhetoric about "organisational transformation", be prepared for a bumpy ride while it's decided whether you are part of the new "vision" or not. 4. You've been merged If your organisation is being merged with another company, beware. It's not untypical for the acquiring company to appoint its own staff to the new key roles and dispose of the incumbent staff. 5. Management consultants arrive When "external experts" are drafted in to review operational efficiency, their recommendations are bound to include restructuring and job losses. 6. Boss suddenly becomes distant If they seem increasingly reluctant to talk with you and get a funny look in their eye when you talk about longer-term plans, there may be something afoot. If they start wearing a new suit