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Two professionals I know recently lost their jobs. Both had complained about their work: the monotony, the bureaucracy, the inability to utilize their talents and skills. However, they have responded to their unemployment with very different tactics.

Upon receiving news of his layoff, Craig instantly did what many of us in his situation do: He began searching for essentially the same job with a different company. Becky, on the other hand, recognized this as an opportunity for some serious self-assessment, a chance to shift gears completely and locate – or create – a job that matches her unique skill set. She decided to pursue her passion for organization and order, parlaying that into a new business opportunity with a like-minded individual.

Layoffs and reorganizing naturally bring about uncertainty. Implementing the three starting points below can help you move from confusion to clarity and bring about your ideal work more quickly.

Examine past employment. What aspects did you love about each position you have held? What drew you to work each day? Move beyond “it paid the rent” and look deeper into the skills you were able to exhibit and the activities in which you felt fully engaged.

On the flip side, what bothered you about the position? What did you simply tolerate or accept as just part of the job? Again, list specific points. Maybe you did not enjoy spending so much time indoors, wished for a shorter commute or longed for more collaboration.

Capture your dreams. What occupations do you find yourself dreaming about? In your workforce utopia, what would you do? Dreaming can prove challenging when you are worried about paying the bills, but your efforts will pay off. Take into consideration the various aspects of work: organization type (corporation, academic, not-for-profit, entrepreneurial); organizational culture and environment; leadership and co-worker styles; lifestyle impact (ability to work from home, length of commute); and salary structure.

Seek support. Make connections with leaders in your ideal field, attend local chapter meetings of trade associations and stay in contact with inspiring people who challenge you to reach your highest levels of success. Take classes in your areas of interest and consider the services of a career consultant or professional coach to help you gain clarity. You may wish to conduct your self-assessment in private, but avoid isolating yourself completely. A network can make the difference.

In constructive career development, five levels of “vocational fit” are regularly recognized, from “It’s just a job” to the advanced “My work is a reflection of myself.” Whether you were recently laid off, have sought employment for quite a while, or have worked in the same position for 30 years, take some time to re-examine your work and contribution.

Christine Hegstad is a professional trainer and owner of MAP Professional Development Inc.