# Social versus Work Networks By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-09-03 How many of those in one's work network have truly sacrificed something significant so one may benefit? Being a reference, putting in a good word, or asking how one is doing at work hardly qualifies. These are baseline expectations of someone who is a good citizen at work. So, perhaps one or two people have done something significant. Now, compare that to everyone one has worked with semi-regularly. Nearly everyone has worked with has done nothing substantial to support one's career. Yet, the narrative is that work is family, and we are all together. Most workplaces are not family, but they hijack our social operating code, which is programmed deep within one's psyche. One believes the same family and tribal dynamics one lives by also apply within one's work setting, but they do not. Consider how many in one's social circle have sacrificed something of significance, and one will see a much higher percentage. The likes of LinkedIn and other work cultures promote the value of networking, but it is not what one thinks it is. No one within one's work network would sacrifice anything to support your career. The work network only enables connections that benefit both parties. There is no price to be paid to be a good person, colleague, friend, or family. Make sure to distinguish one's chosen social circle and unchosen work network. They behave very differently but look the same from the outside. #### Related Items [[Networking]] [[Work]] [[Society]] [[Career]] [[Sacrifice]] [[Social Media]]