> Easy to say when you have one having been in industry for 20+ years
More like 10+. That is the network sweet spot. At 20+ your network is starting to gray out and mostly useless unless you have someone who has risen up to VP ranks who can influence some downstream director to move your resume to the top. At 30+ you are some younger person’s “network”. At 40 years (where I currently am) your “network” is frankly retired, dead, or just trying to squeeze out those last few years in a no stress role to keep their medical insurance and can be no help to you.
YMMV. At 41, I’ve been in tech for about 25 years, and my network is still hugely beneficial to me. They help me keep an eye on new trends, the overall job market, and potential new positions. I focus on keeping in touch with a lot of people, though, even if it’s not constant contact.
More like 10+. That is the network sweet spot. At 20+ your network is starting to gray out and mostly useless unless you have someone who has risen up to VP ranks who can influence some downstream director to move your resume to the top. At 30+ you are some younger person’s “network”. At 40 years (where I currently am) your “network” is frankly retired, dead, or just trying to squeeze out those last few years in a no stress role to keep their medical insurance and can be no help to you.