This past week and weekend, I observed another instance of how Self-Storage Talk can provide support to those who need it the most. SST, the largest online community in the industry, became a sounding board for a longtenured resident self-storage manager who was unexpectedly fired. (I won't divulge her username in the interest of protecting her privacy.) This manager received no explanation for her dismissal, and to make matters worse, she must vacate her apartment within one week, which is especially difficult considering she has a family. The owners have already hired a replacement.
As in all of these types of stories, there may be other details to this situation and omitted circumstance, but it's hard not to feel for the affected manager. She already has a couple of leads on new work, but because of family demands, she's limited in her search. That's why she's turning to SST. Her forum friends have been quick to respond with everything from cheer-up posts and comforting, empathic anecdotes to tangible leads on new employment. It may just be a few small stones in the process of building a new professional foundation, but the manager seems to really appreciate her online supporters, who come from across the United States and the world. From a find-a-a-new-job standpoint, SST's fun and relaxed feel makes it probably the most effective online networking vehicle within the industry. So, if you desire to meet more people who share your profession, SST is the place to do it.
If you're having challenges yourself, or if you would like to help those who are, you're more than welcome to join for the first time or re-engage and start participating more. If your concern is specific to looking for work, try the Job Fair section. You must register an account to be able to post (or to view any of the content in the Job Fair), but you can register for free at http://www.selfstoragetalk.com/register.php.