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Job Description: New Friends


Role: Friend (Volunteer, Remote/Hybrid – Helsinki)

NOTE: You are applying for an UNPAID and entirely informal volunteer position as a friend.


The role is remote, with hybrid options in the Helsinki Metro Area , and compensated exclusively in conversation, encouragement, and positive energy.


No CV, personal data, or sensitive information requested or required to apply.



About the Role

UPWARD is recruiting two new Friends.


The Friend will engage in regular conversation - sharing perspective, encouragement, and levity as needed.


Unshirkable Responsibilities:

  • Listening actively

  • Communicating regularly

  • Offering honest feedback

  • Fostering a supportive social environment

  • Occasionally joining and/or facilitating group discussions that promote collective well-being


Qualifications

You’ll thrive here if you:

  • Apply empathy, curiosity, and kindness

  • Have strong communication skills in English

  • Value depth and reflection

  • Possess at least 18 years of life experience

  • In general, are not a horrible human being


Bonus points if you:

  • Are humor-tolerant or irony-aware

  • Enjoy words, questions, or both



About UPWARD (and the company you’ll keep)

UPWARD helps people and organizations cultivate empathy, inclusion, and connection - elevating how we work and relate.


But this post is about Laura Smith, the person behind UPWARD.


Laura is a consultant, researcher, and seasoned friend with a background in asking big questions, hosting small brunches, and being a medium of peace in chaotic times.


The Friend(s) hired for this role will collaborate closely with Laura to co-create positive moments and improve experiential outcomes in the ongoing task of existing. (No project end date defined.)


Successful applicants will be onboarded to a globally distributed team of co-Friends -- world-class humans, actively cultivating community across bandwidths and borders.


With the chance to join a stellar team - and the likelihood of making interesting acquaintances in the application process - applying can only lift you UPWARD.



The Application Process


Step 1: Screening (Nov 3–23)

A short 8 -12 minute survey. No CV or personal data required.


Step 2: Written Assignment (Nov 3–23)

Conducted via prompts & responses on the project's Substack.


Step 3: Group Interview (Nov 12–26)

A one-hour video call via Google Meet, available on:

  • Nov 12 (18:30 EEST)

  • Nov 21 (11:30 EEST)

  • Nov 26 (18:30 EEST)


Step 4: 1:1 Conversation (Dec 3–10)

A 45-minute chat with Laura - remote or in person (Helsinki).


Applicant Feedback and Notifications shared Dec 17–19.


What you can expect:

You will not be ghosted.

Feedback is built in.

If you don’t progress, you’ll know why.

(Because we’re all human here... which is exactly the point.)



What’s in it for You

Whatever application stage you reach, this process guarantees at least a kind word, maybe a laugh, and quite possibly some meaningful moments of connection.

 

You’ll reflect, meet thoughtful people, and maybe discover new parts of yourself in the process.


At the very least, you’ll leave with a good story or two.

At best, you’ll find a circle of humans who value curiosity, communication, and kindness - and, you never know... maybe even a new good friend, too.


Still game? Then let’s play. Nothing you could lose, after all, but loneliness.



Diversity & Accommodations

UPWARD values diversity and welcomes applications from kind, respectful, and qualified individuals of various backgrounds, identities, and abilities.


That said, the role of Friend does require being able to speak fluent English, as well as to listen to and understand the occasionally incomprehensible pronunciations of a mumbled American accent.


Physically, the role does require being able to sit for long periods of time - perhaps even with uncomfortable thoughts or realities - and being able to potentially sustain hours-long spoken and written conversations (ideally without falling asleep).


Hybrid roles may periodically require ascending several flights of stairs (with a single banister available) to attend brunches. There is no elevator available, but gravity can facilitate an expedited descent.


Most exchanges happen via Signal, Google Meet, LinkedIn, or Substack. If you need an adjustment to apply or participate at any point, just email contact@workupward.com.


I'm happy to accommodate as possible.



Important Note

So, is this a joke? Almost yes - but very much no.


Before a good friend passed away from cancer last year, I had joked with her that it would take a global talent search to replace her. She laughed and dared me to try, perhaps doubting the outcome of the effort.


Well, it’s taken a year, but here we are. I’m trying. And if this public effort encourages you to try, as well, then maybe this isn't a joke at all, but actually a job - the real and shared work of building new adult friendships somewhere and somehow. 


And while I can’t pay a new Friend anything more than attention - for the right candidate, maybe that's enough.


And if you apply, maybe that person is you.




Category: Community | Inclusion | Connection | Volunteering

Job Type: Volunteer | Informal | Hybrid / Remote

Compensation: Paid entirely in laughter, encouragement, and good conversation

 
 
 

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