There's a networking group in my region called HAPPEN. It started in the 90-91 recession. I've been a member since I lost my job in 06, and just maintained my membership during periods when I was working. It's for unemployed professionals. They hold networking meetings with guest speakers twice a week in cities not far from me, and there's a smaller more informal coffee meeting that meets in my city. They offer a ton of services to members, have a job board, and you can post your resume on line. They also have an e-mail group. Well when I was last unemployed everyone was so supportive, and I got tons of congratulations when I posted that I got the job at the hospital. I posted yesterday that things hadn't worked out, and I was again back on the market, but was taking some time off first to sort out health issues (I didn't say it was to do rehab). I got just a ton of really supportive messages, both from people I know and people I don't know wishing me luck, both in getting better and in finding another job.

It's just really nice to know that people care.

--splitimage