> rolodex of former coworkers that I routinely have lunch with still and can ask for jobs, etc
Yeah this is an important thing everyone should be doing. I used to be shy about this but everyone is in the same boat and most do appreciate a quick drink or meal every few years to network, even if you're not friends.
Even if this wasn't a great tool for networking, it's at the very least a great tool for being happy. I love catching up with old coworkers and I'm only 27-- I'm excited to see how many I have when I'm older. Coincidentally, I just got a drink with an old VP of eng. last night and spent a good portion of the time asking about all my other former coworkers. It's wonderful to hear all the crazy, interesting things people are doing after they leave your personal bubble of perception.
Yeah this is an important thing everyone should be doing. I used to be shy about this but everyone is in the same boat and most do appreciate a quick drink or meal every few years to network, even if you're not friends.