How direct to be in initial contact about looking for a new job

[Anonymous]

My workplace of 10 years has become toxic owing to retirements, new executive management, and a merger. I want to start reaching out to professional contacts to explore other opportunities but was wondering how direct to be with them in my initial email outreach about my motivations? Unfortunately many of these people are not local so I can't just set up a lunch which is more casual. On the one hand, just setting up a zoom call to catch up with someone may seem wierd without context and I don't want them to be caught off guard by what I'm going to ask about. On the other hand, I don't want to seem too pushy. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t set up a zoom call as a first step. I’d reach out via text or LinkedIn first. Friendly message and be direct about starting a search and an offer to catch up soon. I find people are willing to keep and eye out and lend a hand when they can.