What are some ways to overcome a lack of social support during career development?

Before doing anything suggested in this post it’s imperative to gain clarity. Ask yourself: What are my goals—in this organization and beyond? Why are those goals important? What do I want to be known for? What’s in the way of my visibility? Is it me? Or is it structural? Baked into the culture? Having that kind of foundational clarity will help you identify where to focus your attention next.

Here's a summary of the tips for overcoming a lack of social support during career development: Build new connections: Network like a pro: attend events, use online platforms, join groups. Seek out mentors and coaches. Get involved in volunteering. Maximize existing support: Lean on family and friends. Join career development programs. Don't underestimate online communities. Prioritize self-care: Focus on mental and physical well-being. Celebrate your achievements. Be your own cheerleader. Remember, patience and proactiveness are key.

Start by identifying what you believe your strengths are. Recognizing what you can do, and importantly do well helps you to recognize your value and will help you to become more confident in your career spaces if you are not getting a lot of support from your immediate circle. The next thing would be to set three types of goals; 1. The quick fix - what can you right now to get on the path to success (e.g. read an article/book, review a podcast, etc.) 2. Realistic - is there something that you can manage that is accomplishable and concrete. (prep for interviews, observe persons in the job/space that you want 3. The reach - this is the "moonshot"! If it works great but if it doesn't you have gained knowledge and experience

Your career development is 99% in your hands--I learned this early in my own career. Most, if not all, of what I had to do in my first few jobs were new to me and had to learn on my own--when google was not yet even a word. Spent my own money, on my own time, to read and attend seminars on topics crucial to my work and deliverables. Literally sweating for the needed knowledge--those learnings became so valuable and indelible that they became the rock solid foundation of my career. I would not say social support is not needed in one's career development--but it should not be a pre-requisite (more particularly now that we are swimming in an ocean of information).

I think it's important to let others in on the fact that you are seeking support. Often those close to you don't realize you need it. I'd also recommend looking for job search groups (in-person and online) to find like-minded people to share your experiences with.

Why get a coach? Why do the top athletes in the world have a coach? They can help you move faster and higher than you can go on your own. They have typically already been where you are now, so can shorten your learning curve and show you the way. In a mentor or coach you are getting a personal motivator, guide, empathizer, assessor, listening ear... to help you through the ups and downs. Make sure to let them know that you don't take their part for granted.

A professional mentor shouldn’t only be someone you find successful in their career but should also have a similar personal set of values to yours. If we want to evolve and work on our weaknesses/opportunities with a coach or a mentor, we need to be ready to open-up and share some vulnerability. As we are all human-beings behind our professional attires, the meaningful connection has to be real to foster a trustworthy relationship and grow.

Antes de tudo, seja você seu próprio "coach". Identifique seu foco na vida. Depois, o quê você precisa melhorar ou acrescentar em sua vida. Depois de tudo isso estruturado, procure a ajuda de um profissional da área de desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional.

If it’s a career practitioner you are seeking, look for someone who is a member of a professional body. Here in Australia CICA or CDAA are great starting points. This will ensure you are working with someone who meets career industry standards.

Seeking out mentors and coaches is critical and puts you in the driver's seat, taking a proactive approach to critical career development needs. Mentors offer valuable insights based on their experiences and can provide strategic guidance on career decisions, challenges, and opportunities. Mentors also often have extensive networks, so being mentored can open doors to new connections and opportunities within your industry. Similarly, coaches can assist with goal setting and accountability, working with you to set specific goals and hold you accountable for achieving them. This can be particularly helpful in overcoming challenges and staying focused. Coaches also provide an objective perspective on your strengths and weaknesses.

One of the biggest hacks that no one shares with you: Look for virtual events that are career-focused. A lot of these virtual events have chat functions where people share their LinkedIn profiles. When people share their profiles, they are actively open to connecting. Connect with them and chat with them. They can serve as a mentor or accountability buddy in the future. Also, actively attend LinkedIn Audio or LinkedIn Live events that interest you. Both of these events show publically who will be in attendance at the event. Before/After the event, connect with the other attendees. Introduce yourself and chat about the event. Allow a natural connection to form. These connections could also lead to getting a mentor or accountability buddy.

Remember to build a support network within your current organization as well. When I start a new job, I try to meet as many colleagues as possible from all different departments. That way, I'm getting different perspectives and growing my network from day 1. Then, over time, you will develop relationships with colleagues who will become your support network. It's great when they are from different departments because they will bring new perspectives to what's happening internally and can also support you when you look for your next opportunity.

Dive into the power of community! Overcoming social support gaps means joining or even creating groups that resonate with your interests and goals. Whether it’s online forums, local clubs, or professional networks, these communities are goldmines for learning and collaboration. Get involved through social media, events, or a friend's recommendation. In these spaces, be more than just a member: engage actively, share generously, seek advice, and offer support. It's all about making meaningful connections and growing together!

Somos pessoas relacionais. Comunidades nos ajudam a manter o foco naquilo que sozinhos a gente talvez não consiga. Nosso papel na comunidade é também compartilhar. A rede não funciona quando você apenas quer algo, você precisa colaborar. A colaboração nos ajuda a crescer e promover espaços de apoio.

If you’re reading this, congratulations. Pat yourself on the back, being here on LinkedIn is a great start! Keep in mind this for communities: they don’t just have to be ‘career-related’! Seek out the rich multitude of networks also in your churches, coffee shops, public libraries, etc. These are everyday places right in front of you that can offer you a ton of connections. You never know who you might meet by just starting a simple conversation!

O Networking é tudo!! Conectar-se é apenas o início! Engajar é o próximo passo. Produzir conteúdo é essencial. Seja útil!! Compartilhe informações que ajudarão a outros.

Development in any aspect of life, it requires perspective. Perspective requires exposure, and networks. Therefore to be able to make the most of the resources that are out there, one needs to latch onto networks. When it comes to networking it is important to remember; to receive, one MUST give. For potential social connections to be able to add to your life, they should be able to see the unique value you bring to the table.. what makes you worth investing time and energy in? One must build up their profile keeping this in mind, and explore virtual and in-person REAL TIME conversations/ interactions (instead of email/ messaging). Real time conversations are the best way you can pitch yourself, and also get a good read on others.

2 thoughts on this: 1) Think along unconventional dimensions to expand your network. Meaning, consciously seeking others with shared interests, in different age groups/career stages, within industry, and different industries. Have fun with it and go in with an intent to learn, grow, connect, energize, and/or push yourself in some way. 2) We all have different time, energy, and social comfort levels. A starting place is to strive to build 1 new 'quality' relationship and re-engage with 2 existing contacts per month. 'Quality' meaning building a mutual comfort and familiarity (personally and professionally) to be likely to reach out again to connect, seek advice, etc. See 'active listening' for a great relationship-building tool.

Beyond expanding your network in areas other than your own workplace, consider building more relationships within the workplace. Take the initiative to build friendships with colleagues within different department in your organization. Especially those departments that you hand off work to. Attend company events, join workplace committees, or participate in team-development activities. Creating a positive and collaborative work environment can lead to increased support from your peers and superiors. Remember that building support isn't an instant process. It takes time. Friendships with people in other departments is a gradual process. Be persistent.

In my experience, I've discovered that getting involved with industry-related organizations and connecting with fellow alumni can be really helpful. When you engage with people who are in the same field or have similar career goals, it can make a big difference in building your social support network. If you don't see much success with the usual ways of networking, think about becoming a mentor or coach for someone else. This not only helps them but also expands your own network and builds valuable relationships.

Ame-se antes de tudo!! Só se doa, aquilo que nós temos. Cuidar da mente, dos sentimentos são muito importantes. Precisamos estar bem conosco mesmo.

This is easier said than done. A social support network helps us practice self-care. If at all possible, reward yourself for resisting the messaging that says you must work all the time. Take a day for you. Schedule it in. Rejuvenate. The work will wait.

In career development, especially when social support may be lacking, self-care becomes even more important. It can build resilience, helping you to cope with rejections, setbacks, and the general ups and downs of professional life. When you’re well-rested, relaxed, and mentally clear, you’re better equipped to network, learn new skills, and seize opportunities. Self-care like taking a step back or meditating into your routine is a vital part of a successful career journey. It helps in maintaining a balance between professional aspirations and personal well-being. By being kind to yourself and acknowledging the importance of your health and happiness, you lay a strong foundation for a positive and successful career journey.

Self care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Have you heard people saying that you look tired? That the job search must be taking a toll on you? That means it's time to take a step back, and do something for YOU. If you've got some irons in the fire, just put on a vacation message for the day, letting people know you'll get back to them tomorrow. If you're not sure what to do after that, here are some suggestions: 1. Go for a walk outside. Remember the sun? It misses you too. 2. Cook your favorite meal. Go out and get your ingredients, and put your heart into it. You'll taste your own love, trust me! 3. Sign up to volunteer somewhere. It's a great opportunity to put your hands to work, and meet new people.

Prendre soin de soin passe par des activités sportives ou de loisirs. est une occasion de se faire apprécier pour soi-même et d'étoffer son réseau.

Rule number one is to never put your career development in the hands of another human. It’s your responsibility to ‘do the work’ I use what I call the POC approach: P - Whats your Passion? O - Opportunity - Who do you need to be connecting with? C - Capability - undertake a skills audit on both your Human and Technical Skills to understand your strengths and areas for development. Too many humans wait for someone to shape their career for them. It’s up to you.

Follow the tips above and then, when you become successful, remember how it felt to lack mentorship. Then be a mentor to others who may be similarly overlooked or undervalued!

The best advice I’ve learned over the years is to not wait for a situation where you are disgruntled or need career development to start investing in these exercises. Developing your career is a long game as are interpersonal relationships. Given that, if you’re waiting until you need a quick turnaround, you’re going to be disappointed more than encouraged. The reality is, leaning into your social circles for help assumes that your timing and their timing are perfectly aligned. While this can happen, it’s the exception not the norm. When you spend time growing and building relationships, you’ll likely find opportunities pop up when you weren’t expecting it. The risk is to watch out for here is not pursuing it because you’re not ready.

Self-confidence and trusting your ability to do "the right thing the first time." Be diligent in the pursuit of knowledge, buttress by wisdom, discernment, and data or metrics. Communicative with self-assurance be humble and kind; and " wait before you critize, think before you react, and listen before you act" Hemingway, finally, speak only when you are moved to speak to add quality to the discourse.

Se ao recordar da falta de apoio você se sente mal e fica pensando nisso o dia todo, você está fazendo o que chamamos de ruminação. Ruminar é se alimentar daquilo que já foi mastigado várias vezes, isso não te tira do canto e você apenas se sente pior e pior. Foque em ações práticas que te aproximem da melhoria ou resolução dessa situação, estabeleça metas e as alcance passo a passo. Isso te fará desfocar tanto de sentimentos e pensamentos intrusivos e te levará a ação.