I like my coworkers just fine. But I don’t have that one person. You know, the ride-or-die work friend you can vent to between periods, send unhinged texts to during staff meetings, and split snacks with on rough days. Everyone else seems to have their little teacher clique, and sometimes I catch myself feeling like the odd one out. I’m not trying to force friendships, but it can get lonely when you’re the only one eating lunch at your desk or walking the halls solo. Anyone else in this boat? Is this just how adult work friendships are, or have you found ways to build deeper connections?

I'm friendly with most of my colleagues, but I'm not terribly close to any of them. That's the way I'd prefer it, to be honest. I'm here to teach and make a living, I've got friends outside of work and I don't need to feel close to anyone in the school. To be honest, it's not something I would really think about or aspire to.

When I started teaching the entire grade level was new so we formed our own lunch group. However, we accepted/invited anyone to eat with us. We're not great friends but it always has given me a place to go to get out of the classroom, vent, and relax at school.

You can find a colleague that shares similar interests like you. Eating by yourself isn't great unless you desire solitude. I actually eat by myself at work due to my schedule. It's not fun sometimes, but I can think quietly.

I had a ride or die friend at work, that became like a sister and now after the new year she has changed. However I do have other work friends that I can talk to (not to feel lonely), but I don't feel comfortable venting to or confiding in. I have a friend at another school that I can talk to and we chat through google chat sometimes.

I have always built deeper connections with atleast one person I work with. That being said, my last job I didn't have that one person either and it was rough. It can be a good outlet when you have someone who is going through the same things with you at work and you need to vent.

I work with a good friend that I've known for decades, but I can promise you that I'm not rage texting her between classes. I can go the entire school year without "venting" to people at work. Maybe that's just me.

After teaching since the dawn of time, I can tell you that eventually you will find “your person (people).” I was fortunate enough to have three teachers that I was really close with. I was heartbroken when one retired before me, but glad I still had my other friends. While I can’t say that we called each other between classes and complained, it was nice to talk with my other friends about things that bothered me every now and then. It’s hard for people who are not in education to understand some of the challenges we experience. My other friend, and teammate would goof off with the kids between classes. If was fun and a stress reliever. In terms of having lunch with people… that can be a good thing or a super negative thing. When I started in 6th grade, I ate lunch with most of the group every day. That turned out super negative as they complained for the entire lunch period about everything… their students, husbands, children, just everything. That simply didn’t work for me. Around that time I met my other teacher friend. We started going out every lunch period to drive around for about 20 minutes. That was great. I got out of the building, got fresh air, and since we didn’t teach the same class or grade, we usually just talked about normal stuff. I did that with her for about 20 years. After that, I was able to come back to the building refreshed and ready for the afternoon.

I would say, relax. You’ll find your people organically.

I find if you open up and talk about something other than work then they will open up to you. Try not to vent.

I am not so sure that it is a bad thing. If you don't want to be stabbed in the back, don't hand people a knife.

I would never share "venting" in writing.

My school psychologist teammate who shared my assignment turned out to be a perfect fit. We are both very thorough w the evals we do together and are appreciative of each others work. We think a like about students and how to manage a crisis, and tag team everything. We’re both retired and work in private sector and continue to have brunch/ lunch / happy hour together at least a couple times a month. She’s an extrovert and I’m not lol

Those things just take time. Sometimes it's more than you think it should and/or like.

I understand. I have found that person this year after several years of not having someone

Friends at work often turn into HR nightmares. One wrong joke or text and you could have a lot of meetings. Male and female coworkers getting close? Rumors about their dating. It's not worth it. At some schools, teachers are like cops and whatever you say will be used against you. Especially if they ever get in trouble for anything. Just keep it boring, simple, and polite. Save yourself the head (and heart) ache. If you aren't documenting every single conversation you're having, I'd start.

Find one asap