R & R Newsletter: Make time to network—before you need to.
A fragile job market is reason enough to refresh your circle now. Connection isn’t backup, it’s your foundation.
Maritza S. Campo, Ph.D.
October 16, 2025
Refresh the relationships that help you grow, not just the ones that help you advance.
Seen + Named
The job market feels fragile again.
Layoffs.
Hiring pauses.
Entire industries are holding their breath.
Even if you’re not job-seeking, the uncertainty lingers. It tempts us to hunker down, to focus on output instead of outreach.
But the leaders who stay steady are the ones who keep their networks awake.
Strong networks don’t just carry you through transition. They keep you resourced when you’re still working and serve as a lifeline when you’re seeking.
🧭 Anchoring Script:
“I don’t just build networks for where I am—I build them for where I’m headed.”
TIP: Range bridges the gap between you and future opportunities.
Insight + Shift
In my research on developmental networks, I’ve found that people access feedback, guidance, and opportunities faster when their relationships are intentionally diverse.
What matters most isn’t only the number of contacts, but the balance across your network: technical mentors, psychosocial grounding, and professional pathfinders.
Here’s a snapshot of an evidence-based tool that I’ve used in my work that can help you build your developmental network NOW (see link below to get a free copy):