"Struggling to Connect: An Introvert’s Workplace Dilemma"
Where I work, I feel like I am being completely ignored—not in terms of work, but when it comes to networking with people. It seems like others are not interested in involving me in their extracurricular activities. I feel alone in my bay, and most of the time, I have lunch with a group of people I’m not really interested in. Meanwhile, the group I want to join doesn’t seem to be welcoming me.
Why is it so hard for introverts to connect with others? Should I consider switching jobs?
Can someone suggest how I can overcome this?
Talking product sense with Ridhi
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Honestly there is no upside to networking in company with colleagues despite whatever benefits online community claims to have, you are good enough ignore others creating fomo in you about it! Focus on being accepted for who you are not what others want you to become :)
Switching is not an option as you might feel the same at other workplace.
I have been in the same situation, and what I try to do -
Find people with whom I can match the vibe. So that I can relate with them and they are also connecting on same level with me. There’s always such introverted people in teams.
Also when you are interacting with people, Try to relate with them, be curious about their stuff. People love talking about themselves and there is so few good listeners in the world. Try being one for sometime, and you will gel so easily among others.
Hey there,
Hope you're doing well. I’m a pure bookish introvert too, but I also happen to have pretty good communication skills.
I’m not sure how experienced you are at work, but I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve faced this dilemma myself and, to be honest, I still experience it every now and then.
In general, making friends at work can be pretty tough. My colleagues were mostly introverts too, but of different typesand some were extroverts too. None of them really matched my personality, and I often felt out of plac just going to work, doing my tasks, and talking to people purely about work. That was it. No real connections, no deeper bonds.
Over time, I realized that as an introvert my strength doesn’t lie in dealing with groups but rather in building one in one connections. I’ve always felt much more comfortable and authentic when talking to one person rather than trying to fit into a group.
So, I started inviting my teammates or extended teammates for chai or lunch, but in smaller groups where I could actually talk to them directly with less fear of being judged, easier to open up, and ultimately forming a better bond. This approach worked way better for me than trying to integrate into big social circles.
If you find 1:1 conversations to be your strength too, I’d suggest giving this a try. Start small, at your own pace, and with people you genuinely feel comfortable with. You might find it way less exhausting and more rewarding.
Hang in there! You’ve got this. These are dilemmas that half the population faces at work. A lot of them are able to solve it, consider yourself to be amongst them 😊✨✨