The Job Search Survival Series : 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Go It Alone
Let’s be honest: job searching can feel like its own special kind of awful. As someone who has worked on three continents, in five states, and held more than thirteen professional titles across eight organizations—I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs in the U.S. and abroad over the past twenty years of my professional career—not even counting all the jobs I held between ages 15 and 23. It’s never been something I’ve looked forward to. And my clients will tell you the same.
It’s overwhelming, draining, and confusing—scrolling through posting after posting, trying to decode if it’s a fit and how best to apply. One of my clients, between December 2024 and June 2025, submitted over 350 applications before deciding to reach out. Whether it’s the first or the 351st application, one of the best pieces of advice I can offer is simple: stop searching alone.
So often, people enter this process feeling isolated—questioning their value, navigating the chaos by themselves. But the truth is, you’re far from alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 7.4 million people are officially unemployed and actively looking for work. On top of that, another 6.4 million want a job but aren’t counted as unemployed because they haven’t searched recently or weren’t immediately available. That’s more than 13 million people who want work right now.
And yet—person after person tells me they’re conducting their job search solo.
If the data isn’t enough to convince you, here are five reasons why job searching works better when you do it in community.
Why Job Searching Works Better in a Community
Community normalizes the ups and downs.
I can’t tell you how often I hear, “Maybe it’s just me, but…” followed by feelings that are anything but unique. Being with others makes it clear you’re not inept, unqualified, or doing it all wrong—you’re simply human. And when you’re already carrying the stress of job loss or transition, that kind of normalcy is a relief.
Shared resources multiply opportunities.
Even as a career coach, I can’t keep up with every new tool, resource, or trend. And I don’t need to—because clients teach me just as much. In a community, you’ll pick up strategies, leads, and insights that you may never find on your own.
Networking accelerates results.
Yes, it can feel uncomfortable to share contacts with strangers or people in your field. But the truth is, you’re not all applying for the same exact roles nor will you be strangers for long. A community expands your reach, and warm introductions from peers go much further than cold emails ever will.
Celebrating wins keeps you going.
In my 1:1 sessions, I always start by asking for a win. Big or small, it matters. Groups make it easier to see progress you might overlook on your own—reminding you that micro-steps still count, and they add up faster than you think.
Partnership creates accountability.
Some days, even just changing out of pajamas feels like a win. Having a partner or group keeps you connected, motivated, and moving—even if all you manage is showing up. Progress happens more consistently when you’re not carrying the load alone.
There are countless benefits to searching with others. That’s why I created Collect & Connect: Job Seekers and Searchers Edition—a space where you don’t have to find your own “search buddies.” Whether it’s day one or day one hundred, this is your invitation to stop siloing yourself off and find companionship for the rollercoaster that is job searching.
Until next time, y’all—stop searching solo and start connecting.
