non-nurturing culture

I have noticed that every article on job hunting says to network with friends and acquaintices, let them know you need a job. But I have found that if you do this, many people will put you down for not being positive, or for feeling sorry for yourself, etc.

Besides, if a person is in a situation that would cause them to feel sorry for another person in the same situation, why should they be faulted for feeling sorry for themselves?