Networks

I am constantly sending my friends job leads. Though I am well aware of (and lived through) the statistics of how few jobs are actually gotten through postings, I still can't resist forwarding an HR lead to my HR friend or a marketing lead to my marketing friend or a full range of leads to the friends who, like me, could go in many different directions. When I wasn't working full time (and so wanted to be), I think it was, at least in part, a way to increase the success rate--even if I didn't get a job, I would be happy that a friend had gotten one with my help. 

While I am working now, countless job emails still fill my inbox daily, and I can't help but read them. It gives me perspective on what's out there and the feeling that, were things in my career to change again, I wouldn't once again feel that I was starting from zero. And maybe my continuing to forward things to friends is my way of giving them that as well. Let's face it, the job world just isn't what it used to be, and I'm probably not the only one thinking (or needing to think) in a more freelance way. Jobs don't necessarily  last forever these days, and keeping  my eyes and ears open is just the smart way to go when I've got to be prepared to jump, or run, or just climb to the next place or the next level.
 
Some large percentage of jobs are gotten through networking--I get that. But to me, part of networking is looking out for your team, whether your team at work or your team of friends. So, as long as those emails keep landing in my box, I'll be checking them out. And for those people on my networking list, keep a look out, because you never know what'll come your way.