ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the importance of collectivisation for work and career building. Collectivising strategies provide important professional, emotional and practical support to researchers at all levels, from those just entering the field to the most experienced professors. Strong networks enable contract researchers to be more selective in taking on work and choosing to work for employers who take an ethical stance. Networks can not only provide future employment opportunities but also offer the exchange of what is often largely tacit knowledge about 'how things work': how to draw on social support to combat anxiety and imposter syndrome; learning through shared experience; offering and receiving 'in kind' support. The importance of sustaining networks of potential employing academics can mean that moving universities is so challenging that many contract researchers choose to remain in the same university or city where possible.
