Let's say you have been working in your career for 20 or more years and are well compensated, but now you are having second thoughts about continuing down this path. Here are some signs that early retirement might be right for you:

[See 10 Important Ages for Retirement Planning.]

1. People with less seniority are doing a similar job to you. It's natural to take on more and more responsibilities as you gain seniority and get promoted. As you get paid more, your boss expects more productivity. If you take a look around your team meeting and see that you are the most senior member and getting paid the most, then it might be time to either take on even more responsibilities or perhaps move on.

2. Each Monday it is getting more difficult to come to work. You don't enjoy your job anymore and don't really like your co-workers. You are stressed all the time, which is affecting your mental and physical health. If this describes your situation, then it's time to search for an alternative.

[See 15 Ways to Tell if You Are Ready to Retire.]

3. You hit a plateau. Your career has hit the proverbial brick wall. Perhaps the next promotion requires something that you don't have, such as an extreme time commitment or stellar leadership skills. In today's corporate environment, all employees must keep evolving and grow. If you hit a plateau, other people will catch up and pass you by.

4. You want a career change. You are bored with your job and want to focus on other interests. We all know the grass is always greener on the other side, but sometimes we have to find out if it's true or not. If you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to start your own business or if you want to simply try out another career, then it may be time to go it alone.

5. You have enough side income to cover your monthly expenses. If you have enough side income to pay the bills without the salary from your full-time job, then early retirement becomes a real possibility. Diligent investing in dividend stocks, rental real estate, bonds, and other income producing assets can give you this option in the long run. Even if the investment income does not fully cover the bills, you can freelance or work part time to make up the rest of it.

[See 5 Alternatives to Traditional Retirement.]

If you are miserable all the time at your job, and you feel as though you are unable to advance in your career or achieve work-life balance, perhaps it is time for a change. If your job fails to excite you and you have a significant amount of savings and investments, you should start to think seriously about your exit strategy.

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5 Signs You Should Consider Early Retirement