OP sounds more introverted than me but I left the federal govt last year after a LONG time and I had never networked because I planned to stay until retirement.

It was scary but I started emailing contacts I hadn’t spoken to in many years and arranging calls, connecting on linked on, asking contacts for bands if others to contact and arranging calls. Most everyone was very kind and helpful and it got easier once I kept doing it. I was lucky that the job prospects in my field were good but I also am very proud of myself for getting over the fear of reaching out to people. I decided I wasn’t doing anything wrong - I was polite and certainly was t hounding anyone. The worst that could happen is they’d ignore me or decline to talk.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can't hurt.

This. What's the worst that could happen?

Not an outgoing person, just don't want people to think -- I am a person with a strong sense of purpose.

If it is not the purpose of job, I would not contact any former colleagues. To me, a job is just a job. I prefer to keep to myself, not socialize much, and keep life simple.

Well then you are not a person with a strong sense of purpose. You are a user. You want to use these people. They will know that. If you are lucky they will be nicer people. Are you ND?

What is ND? I am not using these people. If going back, I will contribute to the team, as I did before.

PP means neurodivergent.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can't hurt.

This. What's the worst that could happen?

Not an outgoing person, just don't want people to think -- I am a person with a strong sense of purpose.

If it is not the purpose of job, I would not contact any former colleagues. To me, a job is just a job. I prefer to keep to myself, not socialize much, and keep life simple.

Well then you are not a person with a strong sense of purpose. You are a user. You want to use these people. They will know that. If you are lucky they will be nicer people. Are you ND?

What is ND? I am not using these people. If going back, I will contribute to the team, as I did before.

Does ND mean negligent discharge? I just googled it. If negligent discharge is what you mean, of course NO. I have never heard of the term as a federal employee. I am a highly performing employee, it is quite natural for people to move around (from agency to agency), for various reasons, such as promotion, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can't hurt.

This. What's the worst that could happen?

Not an outgoing person, just don't want people to think -- I am a person with a strong sense of purpose.

If it is not the purpose of job, I would not contact any former colleagues. To me, a job is just a job. I prefer to keep to myself, not socialize much, and keep life simple.

Well then you are not a person with a strong sense of purpose. You are a user. You want to use these people. They will know that. If you are lucky they will be nicer people. Are you ND?

What is ND? I am not using these people. If going back, I will contribute to the team, as I did before.

It's fine. "Hey Bob, I wanted to reconnect" is fine on a LinkedIn message.
So is, "Hey Bob, I am trying to figure out what to do next in my career. I would love to ask what you're seeing in our industry, can we chat?"

Anonymous wrote:From my perspective - if I had a good relationship with someone before, and knew them to be a good employee, I wouldn’t think this was odd at all and would try and help the person. I’ve connected with people after five years and even ten years because they were interested in a role at my company. I was glad to try and help. Didn’t take much from me either. One of them accepted another offer but one did end up at my company.

I agree with this. It's also good that you're a fed looking to stay with the federal government. That shows dedication.

I wouldn't mind someone reaching out after a long time if they were a good coworker and colleague.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can't hurt.

This. What's the worst that could happen?

Not an outgoing person, just don't want people to think -- I am a person with a strong sense of purpose.

If it is not the purpose of job, I would not contact any former colleagues. To me, a job is just a job. I prefer to keep to myself, not socialize much, and keep life simple.

Well then you are not a person with a strong sense of purpose. You are a user. You want to use these people. They will know that. If you are lucky they will be nicer people. Are you ND?

Just do it. It can’t hurt.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can't hurt.

This. What's the worst that could happen?

Not an outgoing person, just don't want people to think -- I am a person with a strong sense of purpose.

If it is not the purpose of job, I would not contact any former colleagues. To me, a job is just a job. I prefer to keep to myself, not socialize much, and keep life simple.

Anonymous wrote:It can't hurt.

This. What's the worst that could happen?

it's fine

It can't hurt.

Anonymous wrote:From my perspective - if I had a good relationship with someone before, and knew them to be a good employee, I wouldn’t think this was odd at all and would try and help the person. I’ve connected with people after five years and even ten years because they were interested in a role at my company. I was glad to try and help. Didn’t take much from me either. One of them accepted another offer but one did end up at my company.

I need to leave USDA, and see if I can go back to previous agency. But I have never contacted anyone since leaving previous agency, it has been many years.

From my perspective - if I had a good relationship with someone before, and knew them to be a good employee, I wouldn’t think this was odd at all and would try and help the person. I’ve connected with people after five years and even ten years because they were interested in a role at my company. I was glad to try and help. Didn’t take much from me either. One of them accepted another offer but one did end up at my company.

USDA employee, try to find another position before relocation. Not a very outgoing person, don't really make friends with colleagues after work, but I’m a dedicated and high-performing employee.

Trying to connect to people I knew before, and "let them know" that I am looking for a job. I have worked for USDA for quite some years, and used to plan to retire with my current USDA agency. But I’m seeking a new fed opportunity locally, as I’m unable to relocate. I would like to stay with fed for some more years before retirement, no plan to go to private sector.

What would people think if I send LinkedIn invite? Do they think I am a person with a strong sense of purpose? Or just forget about it, and look for a job on my own.