In the past month, two people shared scenarios that presented alternatives to the typical reactions to a period of waiting—and their actions paid off.

First, there was Austin, who, for several years after college worked in marketing positions that challenged her, but did not satisfy her deep desire for work that made a significant contribution to the world. She had periods of doubt that she’d ever find her niche, nonetheless, she kept talking about it with friends, family and colleagues.

Two months ago, as a result of a networking conversation, she was unexpectedly offered a job. Her new position’s with a start up company that makes philanthropists out of concert-goers and sports fans by allocating the typical “overhead costs” to a charitable organization and provides a feel good alternative to Ticketmaster or scalpers.

Austin seems to have found a great match for her skills and her values through persistence and focus on her goal.

James, laid off from a corporate training position that was never a good fit for his favored skills, took time to contemplate what had happened. He realized that his desperate and fearful attitude caused him to accept a job that did not capitalize on his strengths.

Once he got over the fact that he had not initiated the ending of his employment, James began to identify what really mattered and committed to holding out for the right job this time around.

The search took six months, and like Austin’s search, it included consistent and numerous conversations about what he wanted. Today, James works in a company that recognizes and rewards him for his competencies.

So, when you’ve had it with waiting for the job you really desire, try re-engaging with your job search by stepping up your efforts to network and staying focused on your goal.