I just accepted a new social worker job in Denver.

23 Comments

1. Sam P'hOctober 9,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

   The old fashioned way: religious organizations, activity groups including sports, hobbies and common interests such as book clubs.

   Good luck to you! I started a new career at 55 in '15 and it's ended up being the best job that I've ever had.

2. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 4:40AM UTC

   Visit the local library. See what resources are available. You can use the library's computer to access the Internet. They may let you use the current local newspaper. Check out Meetup (on line) for social activities, such as Bridge/Canasta/Music/hiking or even pets.

   A library card will be helpful for ID. Self-help books offer help with adjusting to others in a variety of situations. Wishing you the best.

3. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:45PM UTC

   Thank you for reminding me about getting a library card there. I love libraries - I hope that Denver has some good ones to visit.

4. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:44PM UTC

   Thank you! I will look into the religious scene, and other things.

5. Crystal HowellOctober 9,2022 at 7:35PM UTC

   Congrats on dual degree and working at VA.

   Network, contact the chamber of commerce and get a list of bisinesses,committees,events happening.

   Go to meetup.com to know people that share your hobbies. It's not a dating site, use linked in for people with your work title

   Frequent restaurant in your neighborhood. Have lunch with your boss

6. Sam P'hOctober 9,2022 at 11:46PM UTC

   Def the restaurant. We go to the same diner every Sunday for brunch and sit at the bar. The bartenders and the other employees know us so there’s always schmoozing going on

7. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:43PM UTC

   Thank you! I am hearing a lot about the restaurants and microbreweries, so I have a lot to look forward to!

8. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:42PM UTC

   Thank you very much! This is a career change for me, everything is very new. I use Meetup here, and I will look at the Chamber website.

9. Laura BrennanOctober 10,2022 at 3:19AM UTC

   Yes! Let me suggest a two-pronged approach:

   1) This is a perfect opportunity to reach out to your existing network. Email everyone you know -- INDIVIDUAL emails, not one group email. Do three a day so it doesn't feel overwhelming. It should read something like: "Hi, Julia! As you may have heard, I've just taken a new job in Denver -- exciting and mildly terrifying. I have been focused on wrapping things up here, but now that the move date is approaching, I thought I'd reach out and ask folks if they knew anyone in the Denver area? I'm not looking for a new bestie, but if you could introduce me to someone who'd be willing to give me an insider's view, maybe recommend the best Thai restaurant or Pub Trivia Night, I would be thrilled to buy them coffee and take great notes."

   Now, you can either add a second paragraph where you talk about them a bit ('How'd things go with that [insert something going on in their lives]') or you can go straight to the sign-off:

   "Any help on the Denver front is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!" And your name.

   Obviously, you will change Thai food and Trivia Night to things that actually interest you.

   Just send a couple of emails a day. Don't make it difficult on yourself. Start with the people closest to you, even if you think they have no connection with Denver. For all you know, their cousin's sister-in-law is the mayor.

   Send at least 20 emails; more is better. About 1/3 won't respond; don't make it mean anything. You got caught in spam, they're on a deadline, it's not about you. The people you send to don't all need to be close friends; include friendly acquaintances/former colleagues.

   Sending this email does two things for you:

   • You will absolutely get connected to at least one or two people who can give you info on Denver, whether or not they currently live there, and

   • making this easy, fun ask of your network will actually make them feel closer to you. They will be invested in your success in your new city and excited to hear about your adventures.

   Which brings me to the second prong:

   2) Find ways to connect with people online that you can take with you when you move.

   The opportunities to connect with people online are vast. I am in three weekly, hour-long Zoom social groups: an alumna group, a peer professional group, and a shared interest group. Plus, monthly I have a Zoom book club meeting and online coffee with my bestie. I regularly take online group classes where I meet new people, and I just got off a Zoom of friends from college that I organize quarterly. Yes, it takes some effort to find or create these groups, but they are out there in buckets right now, people are used to socializing online, and unless you're the one running the event, you're not committing to show up every time.

   While online is not ideal, it can be a lifeline for you to have a few set get-togethers to anchor you while you're building a new social life.

   Once you're settled, swing back to everyone who responded to your Denver email, whether they were able to set you up with anyone or not. Let them know something good that came from their suggestions or something fun that you've done since you arrived. How you thank them is by letting them live vicariously through your adventure, so share positive experiences.

   BONUS: Your version of Thai food and Trivia Night? That's what you can ask people when you move to Denver. When they ask, "So, what do you do?" You can answer with, "Actually, I've just moved here for a new job and I'm still learning about the city. I have yet to find a pub that does Trivia Night!" Or you can sub in, "What's your favorite thing about the city?"

   You will be swamped with suggestions; every time you take someone's advice, swing back to them with a thank you. It gives you an automatic way to follow up or easily start the conversation the next time you see them.

   I'm excited for you! Have a great time in this new chapter.

10. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:40PM UTC

    Thank you so much! These are all great ideas. I belong to Toastmasters, and I do Meetup groups here, so I will be looking at Meetup in Denver once I get settled. I will email my friends and see if anyone knows someone in Denver.

11. Melissa NobileOctober 10,2022 at 12:42PM UTC

    Denver has lots to offer. You can meet people who like to do what you do, by doing those things. Volunteer! Go to church.

12. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:37PM UTC

    Thank you! I actually belong to a (liberal) Quaker group, I didn't think about that yet. I'm a military veteran, and someone told me that Denver is veteran friendly.

13. Kathryn MontbriandOctober 10,2022 at 12:58PM UTC

    I have moved frequently in my adult life and am happy to share a few tips and lessons learned.

    1) know that the couple of months surrounding the move will be a challenge (worth it! - but hard). The packing up logistics are a slog and getting into a new city and figuring out how to do all the things you took for granted takes time (finding a grocery store that has your favorite stuff, lining up a new doctor, figuring out cable and internet)

    2) all of this will require your mental and emotional energy. The amount of change will take a toll so build in some rest and recovery periods. Especially because you are also entering a new field - it might feel like your systems are on overdrive for a while. Listen to it and take cues on when you need to push pause and have a quiet day.

    3) when I move to a new place I typically choose not to commit to anything ongoing for the first 6 months. Think: classes I need to attend every week, boards to serve on, recurring volunteer opportunities. The reason is I don't want to find myself in a place of overwhelm as I adjust to the change. It's absolutely fine to pop in and check out some new nonprofits, a fun fitness class, a meet-up that hits your interest, just don't sign yourself up for anything major for the first few months.

    4) lastly - if you are like me - spreadsheets and lists are your friend! I keep a list of places I need to change addresses (bank, insurance, various accounts) and things I need to turn off when I move (electric, internet, etc). Especially if you are renting to start - make a list of these things and keep it somewhere safe, you'll need to pull it out the next time you head to a new spot.

    Good luck! And congrats on all the exciting changes.

14. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:35PM UTC

    Thank you so much for your advice! A lot of my furniture has sold, I donated a lot of nonessential items, and I am packing for what I actually need, and what can wait in storage until I figure out the area and where I want to live. I just hope my roommate situation comes through.

15. Kathryn MontbriandOctober 10,2022 at 9:34PM UTC

    wishing you all the best luck (and some patience and resilience) as you go through the process!

16. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    Denver is a very dynamic city and full of opportunity to meet and make friends. Once you get settled start looking into book clubs, after hours sports like softball and bowling leagues. Plug into meetup groups around subjects you love. Your VA might have some organized social events as well.

    As for moving, your idea of downsizing is great. Keep thing simple as easy for yourself. Get into an exercise and walking routine asap. Establish a schedule for yourself for that structure and be open and willing to try some new things.

    This is a great adventure that allows for new beginnings on all fronts. Embrace your new opportunities.

17. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:33PM UTC

    Thank you! I know I settled in a rut living and working here so long. I'm glad to shake things up a bit and use my degrees in the field I studied.

18. Julie HumbirdOctober 10,2022 at 7:54PM UTC

    Hello,

    I live in Denver. Feel free to reach out. I moved here over 15 years ago and LOVE it. There are many events around this area and dozens of Women's Meetup groups.

    Check out this Facebook group of mature women that have regular meetups in south Denver.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/294216820931177

19. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 8:30PM UTC

    Thank you!
    I am glad that I can connect with other women. I am going to be a social worker for the first time.

20. Barb HansenOctober 11,2022 at 4:04PM UTC

    Thanks for sharing that link. I'm a mature woman in south Denver(ish), and I'd love to attend meetup

21. Barb HansenOctober 11,2022 at 4:02PM UTC

    I live in Denver.

    Do we need to create a Fairygodboss Denver-member meetup? ;)

    Edited to include this:

    DM me here and we can exchange emails

22. Julie HumbirdOctober 11,2022 at 5:39PM UTC

    Yes!

23. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 11:04PM UTC

    OMGOODNESS! I love all the positive feedback, advice, and invitations given to you for the post! Good luck in Denver, and know that someone in Nebraska is rooting for you! ?