I feel left out in my firm. How do I make 'friends' with my colleagues? I've been here for a year. I am naturally not a very out going person, was never 'cool' and I struggle to speak in group situations / make engaging conversation with higher ups. It is an important trait to have in this job and I just don't know how to do this. It makes me very upset - I even sought therapy but wasn't useful. I can't spend 14 hours each day feeling like this:(

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

It’s ok to be an introvert. You have a lot of other strengths. But try taking small steps. One good conversation a week. Then two. Etc etc

Start with 1 on 1. Then after 3 months you will be comfortable doing groups

likehelpful

Read the book “I’m Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come.” The author had similar challenges as you and shares some really great strategies to better engage with others at work, at parties, etc. Its an easy, fun read.

likehelpful

Is being friends with your colleagues really that important? I mean, I get that networking plays an important role in this industry, but you don't have be BFFs with your coworkers if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Maybe start by focusing on public speaking. Take a speech course or join Toast Masters. Overcoming that hurdle may subsequently help you get over your social anxiety as well. Good luck!

It's totally fine to be an introvert, as EM said! You don't need to be BFF's with your coworkers - meet friends through MeetUp or other groups that you actually have something in common with.

Find friends outside of work. This is a dog eats dog world and colleagues are rarely real friends. Networking is a different thing and surprisingly also very transactional when doing it internally. People don’t care about you unless you’re bringing them business. It’s a little better externally.

One thing I found incredibly helpful is to find commonalities between coworkers you want to be closer with. Things like being from the same city / state, being introverted, both like a similar brand. When you establish that common point of connection you find it a lot easier to strike up conversation.

Related Posts

Hi guys,
I want a genuine opinion as i am confused regarding this
I am thinking to learn DSA and move to product companies to become generic developer instead of salesfoece developer.
What should i do ?
Is spending time and energy worth it to go out for salesforce space and learn dsa or no?
If anyone has done it in past or tried it,
I am happy to discuss

like

Just stopped by the shop to pick up my reg that was in for maintenance and they were assembling a Horizon rebreather.
Anyone try one? Thoughts?

like

We have openings in Credit Suisse for Application production support role with 1-3 years experience.

Location: Pune

like

Has anyone on here ever requested redaction of a filed application? I'm looking to redact a few paragraphs of a provisional application.

Any recommendations for free or reasonably priced CLE courses for patent prosecution?

like

How do firms handle export control rules compliance for inbound disclosures for new filings?
Do you make the determination of export control classification number (ECCN) yourself based on each inbound disclosure? Do you ask the client to provide the ECCN, if they know it? Do you play ostrich? Or something else?

like

Hi - I have an interview with Johnson & Johnson for a Leader role. There seems to be multiple interviews with multiple people in the organization. Hoping to get some insight on this process from those who have been through it as it sounds like a great opportunity. What do they look for? How can I ace the interview?

like

Elevator pitches: what are your best tips, examples and resources for crafting a really good one?

like

I am interested in getting my SHRM-CP certification this year and I was wondering which study methods and materials worked best for those of you who passed the exam. Also, what are your roles in HR?!

like

Hi all. Have interviews in Technology Consulting for both Crowe and EY coming up. I’m a new grad fresh out of university, and wondering which company has better compensation and WLB? Thanks for any insight. If you were me just starting out your career, which would you choose, granted I get an offer from both?

like

I’m a CMA who works in Behavioral Health. I have been asked to float to different offices to assist other providers because we are short staffed. I don’t mind because I thought this would be temporary. The problem now is the positions available have no applicants as of yesterday. Not one applicant! The positions have been posted for 2 months or more. I feel since I’m doing the job of 3 CMAs I should get a raise. Any ideas on how to present my case for a wage increase to management?

Any update on promotion??

Anyone looking for a Sr Business systems analyst? 5 years of experience in System Integrations as lead BA and scrum master.

like

Hello everybody
looking for jobs in IT
I have over 20 years of experience. As a 3d designer, Field Technician, HelpDesk, Network Infrastructure and in the last 4 years as a QA Tester.

like

Hi everyone!

Wanted to know if Amex uses a lot of proprietary softwares/ processes which have no value outside of Amex?

like

Would anyone from ZS have some time for a chat? Saw a job posting that is perfectly aligned with my experience and would love to learn more about the firm, and perhaps get a referral. Thank you in advance!

like

Do you get notified when your computer ships?

like

I have worked as a counselor in private practice with a master's level degree. Finishing my Psy.D. dissertation. Looking for a licensed psychologist to sign off on my clinical hours. Anyone willing to work with me remotely for TX licensure? I am willing to pay for the supervision hours.

like

Please provide referral for

4.5 yoe automation Tester

Serving notice period with only 15days left.

Kindly help.

like

Additional Posts in Private Equity and the Buy Side

Anyone know the best way to find out about business development roles in PE (I.e. sourcing). Sick of the investing side and think BD would be a good fit

like

During a 90 minute model test are you typically expected to build out the full pro forma B/S?

like

Nyc family office associate comp expectations? They manage about $5B

like

WLB seems to improve after VP level at my firm. Curious if thats true at other firms 🧐

like

Is there any stigma to saying no to an offer without another in hand? I landed an off-cycle offer at a decent fund but after thinking through, want to take a shot at some of my other funds as well

like

Do Climate and impact investing roles at MF pay less than the regular PE roles (Eg Apollo climate, KKR impact, TPG rise)?

like

Any advice for understanding whether sourcing would be a good match for your personality/innate skill set?

Im pretty extroverted, I have been told in reviews that I peak in verbal communication, and I have really loved conducting expert interviews in DDs.

However, I’ve worked some sales jobs in the past, and I had a hard time with the variability and staying positive bad times when nothing is sticking.

like

Is a “coffee chat” the same as a first round interview for on-cycle recruiting right now?

like

I’m a PE ops VP at a larger fund. Currently making $350k cash comp with about $1M carry at work per fund. Realistically, what would I be looking at in terms of cash/carry comp increase if I were to be promoted up one level (one below partner).

like

Does anyone know how it works if you have an Interview with someone who knows your current seniors in the team? Is there a policy where they can’t mention anything or does that not really exist?

like

Anyone know anything about Greycroft for an associate VC role?

likefunny

What level could I expect going from Director of M&A Strategy group (running all DD’s) specializing in tech investments when lateraling to PE? would it be VP? or do I have to have the full experience to land that

like

What was your final round interview like? Have two coming up with two MD’s at the same firm and trying to be easy breezy about it.

like

Any recommendations for the best monitor to buy for PE?

funny

How is WLB at a MM fund different from a MF? I’ve heard MF are worse on average, but what makes it worse? Is it just the hours, or is the work also significantly different?

like

PE to HF - harder than it seems?

like

What are the best consulting firms for PE and VC exit, please include boutiques not just obvious ones

like

Anyone here broken into real estate private equity from big 4 consulting? What steps did you take to jump into RE PE? What gaps in knowledge did you have and how did you fill them? Outside of the knowledge gaps what other things do you think you needed in order to get into RE PE?

like

Anyone here in Restructuring IB willing to connect or provide some insights into the interview process and share some prep resources you found helpful? TIA

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal