Is it normal that in every job nowadays you need "networking" to get ahead?

78% Normal
18 Comments

I am 25 years old and I have been in the professional environment for a few years. I have studied a lot as well, so I thought that I was prepared... but I never imagined that networking would be so important.

I am a shy awkward guy. But I consider myself to be quite good at what I do. Also, I am really responsible and loyal, which I thought would always impress my bosses and coworkers. However, it just seems that it doesn't really matter how hard you work... it is all about making "connections".

I constantly see how mediocre people keep getting the best jobs. And it is just so painful, because I just cannot go and talk to people so easily. I truly hate these business meetings in which you are just supposed to shake hands with everyone and establish a superficial friendship.

And well, that is all my rambling for today. Is it normal?

Voting Results
78% Normal
Based on 37 votes (29 yes)
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Comments ( 18 )
  • dom180
    10 years ago

    Yep. The job market isn't a true free market, which is one of the main reasons social mobility is so low. Sociologists call this sort of thing "cultural capital" - the people you know, the way you talk and dress and act all give potential employers opinions of you even though they are completely unrelated to your qualifications and capability. It also makes the economy a lot less efficient since so many people are employed below their capability.

    It's a real problem, it happens everywhere and you're right to be pissed off.

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  • dauphinoise
    10 years ago

    Talent < Persuasion.

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  • Freedom_
    10 years ago

    Even entry level jobs...this shit sucks. I just got an entry level job only because my friend works there. They're all like "you're such a good worker", but they likely wouldn't have given me a chance without that connection. :/

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  • ThisIsImpossible
    10 years ago

    Its always been who you blow not what you know. Didnt you learn in highschool that people are fucked up? They dont really change much past 10th grade.

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  • Tyger
    10 years ago

    Unfortunately, I think it's always been like this and today more so than ever. My Dad had the same problem, though at least in those days, a reem of qualifications got you an interview and job offer in another area and so meritocracy did apply.

    I honestly don't know what the answer is as I have the same problems too- no connections despite good qualifications; and I'm not good at selling myself and cannot abide workplace cliques. They aren't real friendships and it's all so false- as is the world these days.

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  • Avant-Garde
    10 years ago

    You need to read the book "SNAP" by Patti Wood. It tells you everything you need to know about making good first impressions, body language and charisma.

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  • Riddler
    10 years ago

    Yeah I noticed this too. I am not naturally someone that is going to lie and flatter people when I don't really mean it. Even when I try I am clearly not doing it right since people think its fake.

    I don't understand how you can expect a person to be a good worker and the life of the party. Most people are one or the other. Assuming someone is a good worker since they have lots of friends is crap.

    I am sure a lot of those bullied nerds in HS would tell you a very different story. I was bullied for not drinking and getting sex when I was in school and paying attention to the teacher.

    In school if you have lots of friends you are often a trouble maker so I don't think we should be applying this desperate type of behavior in the adult world. Do anything to get friends "Blow up a building, kill your mom, lite a person on fire" just so you can be popular. The real world should be about consequences.

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  • 69
    10 years ago

    i hear you, i really do. and while i'm sorry about that, it's good to bump into someone who feels the same. work on it if you must, just don't sell yourself short or try and change yourself to please others

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  • thegypsysailor
    10 years ago

    I doubt a garbage man needs to network much, or a gardener, or a street sweeper or a lumber jack, or a fisherman, or a.....???
    Might be time to find an occupation that suits your talents AND personality. You might find you will have a better quality of life, if not as much money.

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    • Tyger
      10 years ago

      A person often needs the network to get the job in the first place, particularly in today's market where competition for any job, no matter how basic, is extremely high. It's cut throat and merciless.

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      • thegypsysailor
        10 years ago

        Of course, you might be absolutely right. I am so glad I have ended my professional life, as I don't think I'd be able to put up with that kind of shit to get a job. Last time I looked for work, there were only 3 jobs in my profession in the country. A resume' and a cover letter got me an interview and I was lucky enough to get the job. No networking or bull shit. Perhaps today, I just wouldn't make the grade.

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        • Tyger
          10 years ago

          I do believe the best has passed and so much of what we have to do today just to survive is BS. I believe in meritocracy and you were obviously employed by merit, as it should be.

          It's like the usury system now: it's absolutely bizarre that if you don't have a credit rating (because you've never been in debt), then you can't get credit! This happened to someone I know.

          There is no common sense today. Just because a person has "connections," why does that make them best for the job? Somebody who is qualified and puts their head down to the task is surely the best person for the job.

          I wish there was a way around the stupidity of "connection," because it means many good people are being penalised financially just because they don't know the "right" people. I despair!

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          • thegypsysailor
            10 years ago

            I never had a credit card before I was 43. Eventually, I needed one to rent a car (they wouldn't accept cash any more), which I did often as I traveled on boats, far from home.
            I found that owing nothing meant I had no credit; a fate worse than death, in the US. It took years to build a good credit rating, because I still paid for what I wanted by paying off the credit card immediately. Eventually, I found a few no interest cards that I could max out until just before the expiration of the no interest deal, and built some credit.
            I should have been born 150 years ago.

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  • Psoriano
    10 years ago

    I don't know what that is so I couldn't possibly comment.

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  • Aliceee93
    10 years ago

    I'm glad I'm a farmer :)

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    • 69
      10 years ago

      what do you farm?

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      • Aliceee93
        10 years ago

        Cows.

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        • robbieforgotpw
          10 years ago

          Eat mor chikin

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