You made a very real point about the value of networking, especially in the freelance world. The reality is that being excellent at what you do isn’t always enough; the right connections can open doors that would otherwise stay closed. It’s a skill that, even for the most introverted, can be developed strategically—like participating in online communities or keeping in touch with past clients in a more natural way.

As for my own “work wisdom,” one thing that always stands out is that adaptability is just as valuable as technical knowledge. The rules of the game are constantly changing, so those who adjust quickly have the upper hand. Another lesson is that sometimes the way you present something matters as much as what you actually know. Many skilled people miss out on opportunities just because they don’t know how to sell themselves.

But back to your point—have you ever tried a more indirect approach to networking, like creating content or contributing to forums in your field? That can help build connections without requiring that more forced social interaction.