"I can think of other projects that have been mentioned that I would like to take on, but it seems there's always something in upper management that keeps them

"I can think of other projects that have been mentioned that I would like to take on, but it seems there's always something in upper management that keeps them from getting going." Lose the passive attitude about "upper management," and go talk to them. They're just people with opinions. Talk them into supporting one of the projects that you wish you could take on, and volunteer to take it on. Stand in the room and explain persuasively, using numbers and emotions, that they can make or save money on a project. If you can't successfully construct such a pitch/argument for a given project then quite probably mgt. was correct NOT to have pursued the idea. If they are truly dysfunctional you will quickly find this out by observing how they handle it. If they shoot you down (dysfunctionally or for good reasons), you have lost nothing, but maybe it did provide a little of that needed excitement for a while. And maybe they'll admire the chutzpah and remember you later when some project comes along that they DO want to support. If they give you the green light, then you will have ample excitement for some time to come, with new things to learn and new challenges. Maybe they'll even let you hire some people to help. You can always make it a condition of your continued employment, i.e. "I am moving in such-and-such direction and would love it if the company can grow around me." (Translation: This is what I want to do, with or without you.) If it doesn't work out, THEN think about moving on. Late edit: Forgot to add: GOOD LUCK!