Hi All,

I moved from central Massachusetts to San Diego a few months ago. One of the biggest issues I feel I'm having is that I don't know anyone. Around here it seems as if social networking plays a huge role in obtaining work.

As of right now, I'm doing independent contracting for one company, however I'm not sure how long this will hold out, and considering the current state of the economy, I'd like to have more options open to me.

Having grown up in an incredibly rural area (My town had 1200 people -- It's a bit of a shock to me to be in such a cultural mecca), and on top of that being a rather introverted nerd, I'm not exactly the best at making new contacts.

My general question is how do any of you go about your social networking? Are there any Californians that could reply? You seem to be a very different batch of people than what I'm use to in the north east, for better or worse. How do you go about meeting the people that may consider hiring you? Is there any advice you can give to an aspiring web developer with 1-2 years work experience, some college education, but no degree? (Going back to school excluded -- I have loans back east to pay off before they can send my transcript over here)

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Hmmm. . . what about job fairs? Do you have that option?

Also, should you have that option, you would be basically selling yourself, so to speak. If you can show confidence *and* ability, you'll be in a great spot to land a job. So, shake hands, look 'em in the eyes, and be assertive!

And, looking ahead, if you get something to put on your resume, you can move from job to job in the same field.

I'm sure there are other options, but can't think of any at the moment.

You might check craigslist (or whatever) and try to locate some San Diego LUGs, sysadmin / geek groups, etc.

You're in San Diego. Go for a walk or a run by the seashore. Turn off that computer and go find the nearest hiking-trail. Any live music nearby tonight? Hey, you're in San Diego... there's lots of it.

Companies aren't really shuttering their doors nearly as fast as the headlines say, especially not in Southern California. You're not the first geek from a small town to feel lonely. Get out there. Enjoy. You don't need the computer to help you make friends.

True words of wisdom sir (or ma'am). I plan to take that advice, because I have been moving around a lot too. Actually, my family first up and moved away from home about 13 years ago, and I've been "on the move" more or less ever since. I am not actually "from" anywhere anymore, most of my contacts in places where I used to live have either moved on or are just not people I know anymore.