I’ve said it in other posts here and on the Unexpected Leisure Facebook page, but it bears repeating: if you are looking for a job or a better job, you can’t do it alone. You need a network, but more to the point, you need a community. I’ve written somewhat about common security clubs and what they can do to support people who are trying to make their way through this mess, or trying to prepare for hard times that just haven’t hit them yet.
We don’t live in a single community, we each take part in several different communities based on common activities. There are our next-door neighbors, people we hang out with, work with, go to church or social activities with, and they’re all different. If you are dealing with joblessness or fear that you might have to in the future, start giving some thought to the kinds of people who ought to be in your circle of friends, and then try to go find some. Do you know an accountant? A plumber? A lawyer? A doctor? If someone asked for your help with something you might normally get paid for, would you do it for a lot less, or nothing? Would you be willing to accept a favor, to be returned later? Communities are based on webs of mutual reliance and obligation. Think about this.
While you’re at it, think about what you have to offer a community or friends who are coming together to find solutions to hard times. People say the economy is getting better, but not for most of us. Pooling information and expertise can be incredibly empowering.
