3 Ways to Beat Workplace Loneliness

"So I was sitting in my cubicle today, and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it. So that means that every single day that you see me, that's on the worst day of my life."

- Peter Gibbons ("Office Space", 1999)

Unless you have a cheerful personality, then you have experienced workplace loneliness. If you felt it during your first year in the office, then be afraid. Be very afraid. You won't witness the end of the world, but you'll be out of the job before your first anniversary (in the workplace). It can happen to anyone, and it will strike again.

It's time to remember the following:

The office is not the place to make new friends. You need to make a living, and you're expected to do the tasks that are specified in your job description. There are days when there are too many things to do, such that you don't have time to look in the mirror. It's fine, as this doesn't happen everyday. (Otherwise, you better exhale and inhale. Do it one more time.) There are also instances when you sense how time flies by. You're not the only one. Focus on the job, but there's another case.

What if your colleagues don't like you? This is a tough call. On one hand, you can remind yourself that you have your family and small circle of friends. They'll be a call (or e-mail) away. On the other hand, you shouldn't ignore office politics. (This is rather a long story. Another post perhaps.) Try to be polite. (If you have been to other countries, then you know the benefits.) If you're in a friendly mood, then invite one (or two) to a drink on a Friday night. You can look forward to the following week.

Work isn't everything. You need to pay the bills. You have grand plans. But think of the moment. You're getting tired, such that you reach the point when you ignore the signs that your body is telling you. You must unwind for half an hour or less. You need to sleep more. You might want to indulge in your favorite hobby. (You love pop music. You haven't visited the Billboard site for some time, unaware of the latest hits. And the ones you recalled were Justin Timberlake's songs.) How about a holiday? It may not be for everyone, but no one should pass up the chance.

Do you have other suggestions? Let us know. If you are an introvert, then we are eager to hear your story.