Consider this:
                                                                                                                    
In the not-so-distant past, we lived in small "villages" of about 100-200 people. Everyone was connected, and we all contributed different things to society, complimented each other's skillsets, and co-existed in harmony. (Even in a big city, people were based in their small neighborhoods.)

When you had a child, you didn't have to raise it alone, because everyone pitched in and helped. Then, after your child was grown, you helped other’s raise their children in turn. Everything came full circle.

That's how a tribe works.

But these days, it feels like we've become disconnected from this harmonious dynamic – like we're no longer part of a tribe or a village.

I'm sure you've felt like that sometimes, right?

Here's something that has happened to a lot of folks who read this:

For many years, everything was going great, and they just put their head down and worked hard. But then, out of nowhere, they're laid off or forced out of a company, or their company has changed. And they suddenly realize they don't have a tribe anymore.

Few people who can check in and make sure they're feeling okay.

Few people who can introduce them to other hiring managers who might be hiring. Nobody who can help them get back on their feet.

As a professional (or even just as a human being), one of the most important things you can invest in – whether you're going through a good time or a bad time – is building your tribe, building your safety net of connections.

Because if something happens – if we ever need assistance getting back on our feet – these are the people we can count on to help us to find work again.

Then, when we're in a secure spot, we can step in and help these people in return.

Full circle.

Indeed, it takes a village to find a new job, and networking with other professionals is how it’s done.