You've gotta have a buddy

My friend Anne is currently experiencing her own challenges in the world of work. She's had quite a crazy time of it and is again in job-hunting mode. I know she gets frustrated and angry with the situation, but she is very resourceful and motivated, and she never seems to give up.

I have a tendency to wallow in "martyr mode" from time to time so it's important to touch base with Anne periodically because just talking to her about our situations gives me energy and brings me back to the reality of my situation.

When I was in First Grade, we had "Walking Buddies" to get us the two blocks to and from the main school building to the adjuct class building (Ok, it was actually the convent for the Sisters and two classrooms had been tacked onto the side. Those of you who have gone to catholic school will understand.)

My walking buddy was Terry Reagan. I still remember the comfort -- and embarrassment -- of holding someone else's hand (yep, a boy....what were the nuns thinking???) I knew I could not possibly tumble off the sidewalk into the street when I was holding Terry's hand. Admittedly, about 2 cars drove by each minute at 20 miles per hour with plenty of time to observe and swerve to miss a tumbling First Grader but I was five-what did I know??

Anyway, to get back to my rambling point, when you are walking into unknown territory, it is important to hold hands with a buddy. Every jobsite and outplacement firm will tell you it is important to network and keep in touch with people, call all your old contacts. And that's all good advice.

But at the end of the day of looking for work, it's also nice to know you have a buddy who can commiserate, celebrate your moves forward, and occasionally talk you off the ledge.