I am a typical computer geek with hardly any social skills at all. I keep to myself and only talk to other people when it involves work. I don't schmooz around to win brownie points or bootlick like most people do.


Norman,
I am an "a"typical computer geek. I am social and outgoing. I definately do not schmooz or bootlick, but I try like hell to make friends in the workplace. I have to spend more time at work than at home (minus the sleeping) so I try to enjoy the workplace. It's much easier to form friendships if you can find common ground with folks at work. If you share an interest in playing guitars or golf or watching bad tv, it's not necessarily schmoozing to talk to people.

When you get your next position, try it. You have an opportunity to reinvent the "work you" each time you get a new job. Why not bring an outgoing Norman to your next position. Try it out, if it don't work, then go back to keeping to yourself.