NETWORKING: Making the unbearable bearable

I remember when I got laid off from a job I had for 10 years.  I was miserable.  It was like I was mourning the death of a friend.

Then I started to talk with all my friends, not only those at my company, but those I knew in college, at church, my family, and my neighbors.  They all had suggestions, many of which were very good.  I hooked up with an outplacement firm with the support of my company, and made even more contacts.

This is networking.  And this is how it helps you bear the unbearable.  Everyone knows someone who has lost a job.  Friends and associates can give you support, empathize, and help you meet other people, some of whom might know who's hiring.

And they might be hiring also!

So while you are making the contacts and following up on them, you have a sense of going forward.  A sense that with every new person you meet, or every conversation you have, you are getting closer to that job that you know you will get sooner or later.

So for comradery, empathy for your situation, support, and most of all, connections that can help you learn who would like to hire you...network.  If you keep records of who you meet, and when, you will find that it gives you a sense of accomplishment as well...even before you get the offer you want, that you know you are going to get.