u/Character-Lack-3295

I am a 59yo man who has been in the work force since age 17. That said, I feel completely played out at this juncture in my career and dealing with coworkers has sucked the life out of me. What really grinds my gears are the frequent shitty comments other employees make. I’m left thinking, “did you really have to add in that extra bit of sarcasm or snark? “Could you have said what you said in such a way that wasn’t aggressive or insulting? “Why are you choosing to come across as an asshole? I’m not expecting sugary sweet interactions all of the time but this is a constant theme and I think how you say something is just as important as the actual message. Add to that, the daily slights, micro aggressions and subdued hostility and I’m at the end of my rope. I tell you people suck and like the bumper sticker, “The more people I meet, the more I like my dog”

For background, I’m almost 60yo and have been an RN for 34years. I’ve also worked in many hospitals over the years as perm and travel staff and have seen many different unit cultures. That said, I just started a new job about 6 months ago and maybe it’s just me, but I kind of get the vibe that I’m not liked. I try to help others and present as quiet but respectful and am certainly competent in my clinical skills. Of course there’s a mean girls’ club here like there is most places, but it seems it’s more just coworkers being dismissive and rude. I’m not expecting to be invited to social events or any of that but somehow it all feels different. Before anyone says, yes, I know I’m just here to do a job and go home.

60yo, married, seriously introverted man. Outside of my teen years and early twenties, I really have not had any friends. I'm friendly at work and have many work acquaintances but working full time drains me and I honestly just want to dwell in the quiet and solitude in my off time. Not that I would mind having a few friends but I find most social interactions awkward and I have difficulty keeping a dialogue going for very long. Anyway, I have no real regrets and it's my "normal", but most people find this very antisocial and pathological. What do you all think?

I know I sound like a "snowflake" but I promise that I'm not. I am a 59yo, very introverted, sensitive man but when I sometimes look back upon my life, I wonder if many of my problems in adulthood actually stemmed from psychological trauma from my school years? I was always a pretty good student but hated school and always felt like I was the proverbial, "round peg in a square hole". I now know the importance of school but I always hated that I had to interact with other kids, many of who were bullies that made my life awful because I was quiet, plain-looking, came from a family without a lot of money, didn't have fashionable clothes, wasn't a druggie or a jock. Do any of you feel that school traumatized you?

I have always loved this quote and hope you might also.

“people diminish me;

the longer I sit and listen to them

the more empty I feel but I don't get

the idea that they feel empty, I feel

that they enjoy the sound from their

mouths”

Charles Bukowski