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Beat Job Search Loneliness with Virtual 3rd Places




One of the biggest challenges for job seekers and those going through career transitions is the lack of opportunities to network and meet new people. However, the concept of a virtual 3rd space has emerged to overcome this challenge. It’s especially tough if you’re between jobs and your normal work life rhythm disrupted. The good news is there are options to address this.


A virtual 3rd space is a digital space that is not home or work, but a place where people can connect with others who share their interests, passions, or goals. In job search or career transition, a virtual 3rd space can be a platform or a community where job seekers can meet recruiters, industry experts, and other job seekers who can offer support, advice, and connections.


The idea of a virtual 3rd space is not new. In fact, the concept of a 3rd space was first introduced by Ray Oldenburg, a sociologist, in his book “The Great Good Place” in 1989. According to Oldenburg, a 3rd space is a place that is neither home nor work, but a community space where people can gather, socialize, and connect with others.


The pandemic has forced many of us to move our social interactions online, and this has given rise to many virtual 3rd spaces. For example, social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups have become popular virtual 3rd spaces for job seekers and professionals. These platforms offer job seekers the opportunity to connect with recruiters, industry experts, and other professionals who can offer advice and support during their job search or career transition.


Online job boards and networking events are also virtual 3rd spaces that job seekers can leverage to meet new people and expand their network. These platforms allow job seekers to connect with recruiters and industry experts, attend virtual job fairs, and take part in webinars and other events that can help them learn new skills and stay up to date with the latest trends in their industry.


Virtual 3rd spaces offer many benefits to job seekers and those going through career transitions. They provide a safe and supportive environment where people can connect with others who share their interests, passions, or goals. They also offer a wealth of resources and information that can help job seekers learn new skills, stay up to date with industry trends, and find job opportunities.


It honored me to be a leader in HireClub for almost five years. I built a led a team of almost 50 coaches, did small group bootcamps and was a frequent poster in an active Facebook Group. The 40,000 members of HireClub.com nurtured and supported each other through the challenges and loneliness of a job search. It’s one highlight of my coaching career. And the good news is HireClub is still around, as are many other Job Search groups. There are over 900 groups alone here on LinkedIn.


The concept of a virtual 3rd space has emerged to overcome the challenges of job search and career transition in the pandemic era. By leveraging virtual 3rd spaces, job seekers can expand their network, meet new people, and find the support and advice they need to succeed in their career. As we continue to navigate the new normal, virtual 3rd spaces will continue to play an important role in the job search and career transition process.


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