Maybe I'm just shy, but networking feels so bad when the purpose is to get a job from it. It would be so much better if I didn't feel like I'm just asking, but I also don't have anything valuable to share yet. Does anyone struggle with this too?

I just like… i don’t network. I look for real human connection and nurture relationships over prolonged amounts of time as much as I can. I literally cannot network for the sake of networking or work things, it makes me feel ill

Yes, I have the exactly same feeling every time too, May-li. The thing is: some influential people says that it's expected to be like this while networking. Maybe I should get away from this thinking for good.

And second I think power loves to shake hands with itself and pat itself on the back. It believes and spreads its own survivor bias narratives. But that’s why I feel so strongly about living in ways that create good ground for collective action, which needs trust and solidarity

Of course all this depends on need as well… if the hustle is for the money and bennies cos of rent and bills then hey we all gotta play the game sometime. but idk… i am cautious of buying into all the stories

and frankly it is depressing when i realize someone only ever spoke to me because i was useful in the moment for their climbing du jour

Yes, and I don't believe that many people do this because they like it, probably is because they are in a terrible situation (most financially).