I'm 26 and currently live in a small college town of about 5000 people. The vast majority of the population is either 19-23 or 30+ w/ families or starting families. I am having a hard time meeting people in my age to hang out with. The last of my buddies graduated last year and I have become depressed and frustrated. At work the only people near my age are the people that I supervise, who seem to feel generally uncomfortable/awkward when I hang out. I really feel like that 'weird older guy' and have really stopped even trying for the past couple months.

I have moved up to fairly decent position at work but wonder if it is worth staying as i am miserable in my personal life. I have been strongly considering moving at the end of my contract, but have a really good reputation at work and have worked hard for it over the last 2 years... but i can feel the frustration and depression from my personal life carrying over to work and am not really enjoying it like in the past.

thoughts/opinions/ suggestions/anybody been in a similar situation before?

ya.

1) find 2-4 cities that youd really like to live in.
2) start job hunting in those cities now
3) move when you have a job offer that you want to take.

simple.

People always ask questions they already know the answer to.
Should I dump my cheating girlfriend?:cuss:
Can I trust a guy who lies all the time?:nono:
Should I move out of my tiny town so I can have a better life?

Yes Five! Do as Joekerr says, find another place to live and blossom like the passion flower you are! :flowers:

.......That's a really bad analogy for a man...but you know what I meant!

I am in a similar boat, but mine is more of a transient situation.

Im 26 and also live in a small college town, but I am finishing up my last year right now (been to school already, worked for a few years.)

After 2-1/2 years i have a pretty good group of friends here, but it took a while. Its a lot different being in college and part of the loop as opposed to just working.

My situation is temporary. Ill be graduating in the spring and then off to who knows where before med school. I couldnt imagine just working in a town like this though; I would hate life.

I agree with the others. Start looking for a job in a city you would like to live in. You're 26, this time in your life is for adventure. Ive been in the rut youre in and it sucks; you gotta get out, take a chance.