In my work place, my lab is separated by the adjacent lab by my bench, so when I work I am able to hear and see the other lab people in front of me. When they are socializing and joking around I get tempted to involve myself in their conversations because I like socializing, but I'm worried that I will feel weak and I crave attention. Usually when they are talking, I would prefer just focusing on my work and continue doing my work, but then I'm worried I will look stuck up and that I'm too good to talk to them. I'm always two-sided on this situation and it always leaves me confused and distracted, preventing me from focusing on my work. I get into a sort of anxiety state too as well and feel my mind getting heavier. It's a really unpleasant feeling and I wish I could be able to balance both socializing and focusing on my work. Another reason I don't like to talk (all the time) to the lab next to time, is that I don't want my lab mates to think I'm neglecting them... I know, I think I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself. I just don't like feeling that I crave attention all the time and that I'm too good to talk to other people. Does anyone have similar experiences?

Hi, kg_baller!

How long have you had your job, please?

Thanks!

I've been working for about 6 months now.

I think you have been there long enough to at least comment or say something funny to break the ice! It doesn't have to mean we crave attention when we want to be involved in others conversations, it just means you think you may have something to add that is GOOD! If it is positive and good, I say go for it and see what happens, maybe they were too waiting for you to join in? This is a "normal" feeling I would think!

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Originally Posted by kg_baller

i've been working for about 6 months now.

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Hi again, kg_baller!

For me, and if I were you, I would look at it from the viewpoint that you're there to do a job and to make yourself an indispensable as possible as an employee. Socializing, although important, takes total second priority to what you need to be doing in order to be the best employee that you can be.

Those that don't concentrate on doing the best they can for a company for the company to prosper will hopefully be called on those things when they are reviewed about their job.

When I work at a job, I always strive to make myself as indispensable as possible. Doing a lot of socializing while on the job isn't why I'm doing the job.

Thanks!

As Clough said, there really is a right time and a wrong time to be socializing! Just figure out the right time and go for it!