The Humbling Power of A Network
WARNING: this post is a total humble brag.
My wife and I both lost our jobs in the span of 9 months in the midst of having our first baby. It’s been challenging and has forced us to really consider what matters to us. It’s funny — adversity is constraint and constraint breeds creativity. Both of us are considering opportunities and directions we wouldn’t normally seek and both of us are taking a critical look at how we can be valuable to others and the environments we want to be in.
This process has been really, really fun. I’ve had the great fortune of reconnecting with amazing people I’ve met along the way who have been so gracious with their time and incredibly helpful. To those of them who are reading this, thank you so, so much. I’ve also been fortunate enough to meet some thoughtful, wise, inspiring people. They have challenged me, encouraged me, pushed me and shaped me. I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people in this process. To those of them who are reading this, thank you for your time and for allowing me to get to know you.
What I’ve experienced most strongly is the power of an authentic network. When I got laid off and reached out to a few people I know, they were quick to offer help, make introductions and, in some cases, job positions. It only worked out this way because of many years of meeting people, being genuinely interested in them, sharing with them and helping them whenever and however I could. Fortunately, they have been there for me when I needed them. Each of us has a network — it’s kind of like the extended family you choose. What a privilege to meet and spend time with people you like.
A reminder to myself and the rest of you out there: people are what make the world go round. Help anyone who needs it, whenever they ask and however you can. Do it because you can. You never know when life will get tough and you’ll be the person who needs some help — you’ll never realize how much you’ll appreciate those who are there for you.
To everyone who has helped me: THANK YOU. To anyone who needs help, I’m here for you…don’t be shy.
