sitting alone at the lunch table

I've always thought of myself as a perceivably out-going, friendly person. Someone who has never had a problem with meeting people and making friends. So why is it that I am going into my second year of employment with my company - a company filled with over 1,000 people - and have yet to find a lunch buddy? You know, someone you can call upon to escape from your desk, even if just for a short hour. Nope. Not one.

Maybe...just maybe...it is due to the fact that I am surrounded by socially incapable people who do nothing but punch in and punch out. Who stick their noses up at the thought of...gasp!...a happy hour. Who are more concerned with the rat race in corporate society then making friendships.

How dull.

Before I started my employment here, I worked at a company filled with late 20-somethings, early 30-somethings, eager to organize happy hours, mingle, and escape from the day-to-day workday bore. Although this atmosphere led to lots of inner-office romance drama and the occasional juicy gossip, it was tons of fun. I went out to lunch everyday and hit up happy hours at least once a week. It was a blast. My career path ended quickly and unfortunately there, but I left with lots of friends that I will keep forever.

My current employer may offer me a brighter career future, but the warm, friendly atmosphere is not as prevalent. I think that my dream job, wherever that may be, holds aspects of both abundant career opportunities and fun. We shouldn't have to sacrifice happiness for a big paycheck...or do we?