I had a former work colleague contact me out of the blue a few days ago asking if I would be willing to be a reference for him. I replied that I would be happy to help him out. I had the call with his prospective boss and gave him a great review, which will likely lead to his getting the job. I would have expected a "thanks for helping me out" either in response to my agreeing to be a reference or after I gave the reference. Just seems downright rude. Here I am helping him get a possibly very well paying job and not a word back. I am Latin and lived in Europe for many years, so am geared to being very polite. I don't think this is cultural. Maybe unique to the region I live in. Sure is bothersome that someone wouldn't take 10 seconds to write: "Thanks for your help. Really appreciate it."