i know this is a topic discussed in 'life after college' but i was wondering if you guys had the same issue that i've been having.

there's no denying it - college was a great place to meet people and develop friendships early on because everyone was pretty much in the same boat: taking classes, skipping them, partying, etc. there were very very few people were outside of the norm so it was relatively easy to connect with people.

now being out of college and into the corporate world (been 4 years in the military before that), it's been a total 180. no more real defined social "hanging out" or meeting people of similar backgrounds/interests. for me, i've been running into a mix of people - most are married at 23-24, with at least 1 kid, so most times that closes another networking circle. everyone else is doing something different. you try to look at what clubs or activities are around here and it's bleak.

i'm trying to branch off out of the workplace because essentially, it's no different than what i stated above but as part of management there's a line drawn. sure, at times, there are corporate dinners and get-togethers but they're all political and not to mention formal even though the setting supposedly is "relaxed". i've been trying to find some people to maybe grab a coffee after work or have dinner... it's been a mth and a half and i can't find anyone like that right now. i know it's still early and i have to give it some more time but that's why i miss a lot of my military buddies down south. that was cool where at 8:30 at night randomly we'll go out to a starbucks to shoot the shit. definitely miss those times.

anyway, was just wondering if you guys feel the same way as me.

My fellow Americans, I have not been entirely truthful with you. I did gi-googidy that girl. I geschmoegedied her geflaivedy with my googus. And I am sorry.

It takes a bit of time, but in general just be open and friendly. Take note that office politics exist in every office - you be the judge on how much that influences the ppl you choose to hang with.

Hope that helps.

> most are married at 23-24, with at least 1 kid

Woah Kalamazoo is different from here..

Meet people outside of work! Join clubs, take classes, get out, and do stuff.

I don't fraternize with people at my job except for 3 other department heads who I trust to tell everything to. Other than that, I keep cards close to my chest and do things with people outside of work because of office politics and gossiping. The other department heads don't really care for me as much because I'm not a team player with them, but I've learned after being stabbed in the back a few times that I can manage my own department without their help.

Wow, you have a lot of young folks where you are! Most of the people I work with are in their 40s and my employees are mostly in their 30s. Don't worry, you'll find your clique soon enough...but if they're from work, make sure you can trust them first...

I don't have the issue of "not interact or not to interact" with my co-workers, as I am one of 3 people under the age of 50. No joke. 42 people total, and the only other 2 my age are preppy idiots.

I think they are holier than thou snobs, and they think I am trash. Good.

I feel sorry for people who get involved with co-workers, for friendship or otherwise. It always complicates things....like sex.

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Hi Mom, meet my new boyfriend ^_^
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Alex: Where is your monkey?
Dante: He's upstairs putting his nunchucks away.

I do socialize but only with certain people in the office. I don't even mention about my dating situation because I just don't feel comfortable talking about it in the office. Outside job related conversation, I only talk about food, jogging, and music.

Unfortunately this is the rule of the game in the corporate world. Find friends outside of work. Do not disclose much of your personal life at work. Keep it friendly and at an arm's length.

Stripping for all aznlover women...



Love is the life of the soul. It is the harmony of the universe.
William Ellery Channing

The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.
Michelangelo

that's so true... i def gotta find other people outside of work to "hang" out with. unfortunately, there's not many things to do that i see around here but i guess it'll take some time. work has me swamped with stuff to do so i definitely don't get out at a decent hour so that sucks.

My fellow Americans, I have not been entirely truthful with you. I did gi-googidy that girl. I geschmoegedied her geflaivedy with my googus. And I am sorry.