Networking
Investing in building relationships and connections that will take you beyond working
Investing in building relationships and connections that will take you beyond working
5 minutes
Let’s face it, work often provides a significant part of our social connections. This is particularly so for men. But there are actions we can take to start to build and extend our social connections, even years before we actually retire. Some people are naturally more comfortable in actively building social connections, others find it more challenging, and for them, a common purpose or focus can be helpful.
Here are some prompts to get you thinking about what might work for you. A list of the links is at the end:
Interest groups or clubs (eg photography, gardening, environment, walking, technology, book, sport, board or card games)
- Local libraries and community centres often have a lot of courses, groups etc
- Use sites such as Meetup, Men’s Table,
- Local clubs
Volunteering
- Think about what you enjoy and connect your volunteering to those
- There are government sites that connect you to volunteer roles such as Govolunteer, Seekvolunteer, Volunteeringaustralia, Volunteering New Zealand
- Local governments are also a great resource
Do a course
- Free or paid
- Local community centres or local libraries
- Areas of interest or keeping skilled
Proactively contact people you haven’t been in touch with for a while
- Make a list
- Initiate a coffee catch up
- Ask if they’d like to come along to an event
Do some ‘gig’ work
- Look at sites such as: Sidekicker, SpotJobs, Flexjobs,
- Freelancing work on sites such as Upwork, Expert 360
Attend an event of interest and connect to others there
- Sites such as Eventbrite can help
- Local “What’s On” websites (usually government-based, or TimeOut)
Travel with a group
Talk to a neighbour
Website lists
(please note that this is not a definitive list)
Volunteering
An initiative of Volunteering Australia
Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the community. Volunteering Australia is working towards a stronger, more connected and resilient Australian community through volunteering. Their mission is to lead, strengthen, promote and celebrate volunteering in Australia
SEEK Volunteer is Australia’s largest free online source of volunteer opportunities and is the preferred destination for those who want to volunteer. We make it easy for people to connect to the right opportunity, for a cause they care about, in a location that is convenient to them.
As part of the SEEK family, we also understand the valuable role volunteering can play on the career journey. So, whether you are interested in kick starting your career, switching careers, building on existing skills or just wanting to share your expertise, there are opportunities on SEEK Volunteer for you.
Volunteering New Zealand is an association of volunteer centres, and national and regional organisations with a commitment to volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand, across all levels.
Gig / part time jobs:
We provide thousands of Sidekicks with regular work in the following industries: Hospitality, Events & Exhibitions, Business Support, Aged care, Warehousing & Logistics, Promotions.
The part time section on SpotJobs helps you find part time employment that works for you, however you prefer to work. SpotJops helps you find part time jobs quickly and easily, wherever you live.
With FlexJobs, you can access hand-screened remote, part-time, freelance, and flexible jobs—quickly and easily.
Zealancer is the marketplace for all contractors and clients from New Zealand
Yudoozy is a simple to use tool that enables contractors to list their skills, cost and availability so that direct 'vetted' employers can see it. They then contact you directly through your chosen method of communication to discuss the project.
All job listings are from age-friendly employers looking for older workers. Experience, reliability, strong work ethic and mentoring skills are just some of the huge benefits older workers bring to an organisation. (Australia)
General sites
Whatever your interest, from hiking and reading to networking and skill sharing, there are thousands of people who share it on Meetup. Events are happening every day—sign up to join the fun.
Find tickets to your next unforgettable experience. Browse concerts, workshops, yoga classes, charity events, food and music festivals, and more things to do.
The Men’s Table is a safe place to share and be heard in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, creating a greater sense of belonging, camaraderie and connection.