Dear questioner,
I'm a pretty outgoing person, and I can tell when I meet someone. It seems like the questioner is a bit confused about entering a new workplace environment. They're wondering whether they should integrate into the social circle and also whether their family thinks they're "social or not." It's clear that the questioner has a strong sense of self-awareness and can quickly identify their situation in a new environment.
Maybe, once you've thought more clearly about what you want to get out of this, you'll see more clearly what your position and role are in your new environment.
I'm grateful to the questioner for raising this topic about the workplace: "New environment, unable to fit in with the social circle. Do you have to fit in?"
Maybe this has brought some new ideas to the discussion.
I'd also like to share my thoughts and ideas for the questioner's reference.
Let's take a look at the specific circumstances the questioner described and try to make sense of them.
I recently joined a new work group. I haven't had any conflicts with the other members during work hours, but I haven't really felt like I fit in. They often have dinner together, and they've invited me to join.
The first time I didn't want to go, so I said no, but the second time I went along with it, even though I had to work. They moved the dinner from the evening to noon.
If I can't fit in with a work group, do I have to fit into their little group?
The newbie has just joined a workgroup (for how long exactly?), and she's feeling like she doesn't fit in. This shows that she's very sensitive to her environment. In general, "veteran colleagues" in the workplace will reject new members, especially if a strong business and technical expert comes along. After all, there are "boundaries" between people wherever there are people.
– Do they always meet outside of work? They asked the question asker to join them, but the question asker kindly declined the first time. When they invited again, the question asker was already busy. Regardless of whether it was "on purpose" or not,
So, the questioner himself doesn't want to "join in," right? Then after that, he is a little concerned, and subconsciously, he still wants to be able to "fit in" more "peacefully."
My personal view is that…
1. I don't really click with the people in my work group. They don't work in the same way I do. For starters, they're good at playing games, they're more secretive in their work, and they speak in a strange way. I feel like our worldviews and thinking are not on the same level, so we can't get along.
The questioner is self-aware and has a clear sense of right and wrong. He realized that his style of doing things is different from others. For example, he is more secretive and speaks in a strange way. The questioner knows that his values and thoughts are different from others. Maybe this is an objective difference between people that will not change no matter what. As the saying goes, "People are divided into groups." Is it normal to feel like you can't get along?
2. I don't really want to get involved in anything to do with them, because if I say too much, they'll probably spread what you said the next day, embellishing it and saying it was me who said it.
Maybe the questioner is new here and is right to be cautious to avoid unnecessary "gossip." It seems that the questioner is also someone who looks at the world, at people, and thinks things through in a relatively comprehensive way.
3. I've thought about my own issues. I've bought milk tea a few times to show I'm friendly, but they still treat me the same.
Or is this just a matter of differing personalities? We all have our own unique traits. You're just as individualistic as the questioner. You know what you like and what you don't need.
... Inevitably, people will have a sense of "boundary" with each other. It's important to be able to follow your heart and maintain a certain boundary in interpersonal relationships. Maybe they are the same with everyone?
4. I'm pretty confident in my personal performance and ability, and I always give them a good answer to their questions.
This is a great personal strength of the questioner. They ask questions and get answers, which is strong proof of their "personal charm" among the working population and will be beneficial to their future career development.
Lately, my family has been saying that I don't fit in, that it's a personal issue. I've started to doubt myself. Do you have any advice? Do I have to fit in with a group of people I don't like?
— When it comes to defining "fitting in," family members might have a different take than the questioner. After all, you can directly feel the feelings brought to you by the people in your workplace environment, and you know your own personality best. You're also the one who feels the characteristics of the people around you. As for whether or not to "fit in,"
When should you integrate? Is it better to integrate selectively or to make trade-offs?
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide.
— And the questioner has fallen into self-doubt over this. Do they care about what their family thinks of them? Are they worried that their views on the people around them are "biased"?
Is "self-doubt" just a lack of confidence in oneself? Maybe this is where the questioner is confused, and it's exactly where the questioner needs to pay more attention and think about it some more.
It's important to think about the pros and cons of "fitting in/not fitting in/maintaining your individuality." This might affect your future development and positioning in this group.
For instance, your aspirations for promotion, your desire to stay in the job long-term and how you see yourself developing in the future will all affect how you view the people you work with. In general, the further you think ahead, the more you can achieve.
Given what the questioner is going through, here's how they might want to think about the future:
[1] Accept your feelings at face value for now. You can take a step back and think about what's confusing you before you make any decisions.
[2] In general, when you move from one work environment to a new one and are faced with unfamiliar colleagues, being able to quickly integrate into the new circle has a big impact on your work. Just as the questioner responded to the colleague's request for help right away, which is a good way to do it.
[3] Generally, when you start a new job, you should focus on your work, find the right time to share your ideas, and show what you can do, which will help your senior colleagues recognize your strengths.
[4] Don't let your own feelings of unfamiliarity, fear, or wariness towards your senior colleagues/small groups or circles get in the way. You can not only quickly understand the specific situation of the new work group through exchanges outside of work, but you can also show them that you're interested in getting to know them and that you're eager to make friends. This will help them accept you and feel more comfortable around you.
[5] Stay humble and ask your more experienced colleagues for advice. Especially when you're starting a new job, there are bound to be things you don't understand. Asking for advice shows you're eager to learn and keep up with the team.
This way, they'll quickly get over their resistance and accept you as one of their own.
[6] Get out of your comfort zone and start a conversation with someone new. People connect and build friendships through repeated conversations and interactions.
In today's world, it's all about "cooperation/alliance/working together." It's tough to make it on your own. When it comes to relationships, it's important to trouble others and repay them in a timely manner. This is a great way to make new friends and integrate into new circles.
[7] I wish the questioner all the best in her new role! Here is a recommended book, "Get Along with Anyone," which touches on topics such as how to quickly integrate into a new work circle. It can be read if desired.
The above is my take on the questioner's question. I hope it'll be helpful to the questioner. I wish the questioner a happy work and a promising future!
Best,
[Name]
I'm here to bring sunshine into your life, and I love you!
Comments
I understand your concerns; it's really tough when you feel out of place. It's important to stay true to yourself and not force integration if it feels wrong. Maybe focus on building connections with people who share similar values and interests, even if they're outside this immediate group.
Sometimes fitting in isn't about changing who you are but finding common ground. Perhaps you could try engaging more in topics that interest you both or activities that align with your preferences. It's also okay to set boundaries and politely decline invitations without feeling guilty.
It sounds like you're very capable and selfsufficient, which is great. Not everyone has to be best friends with their coworkers. As long as you maintain a professional relationship and can collaborate effectively, that should be enough. Your family might just want you to be happy; consider what truly makes you comfortable.
Feeling forced to fit in can be draining. If the group dynamics don't suit you, it's alright to keep your distance while remaining respectful. You can still contribute positively to the team without becoming part of their social circle. Focus on what you can control: your work and your wellbeing.
It's clear you're putting effort into trying to connect, yet it's not resonating with you. Listen to your instincts; if the group doesn't align with your values, it's fine to prioritize your own peace of mind. There's no rule saying you must integrate, especially if it compromises your authenticity or mental health.