LogFAQs > #951613634

It sounds like you're not really trying to make new friends as much as it is that if you moved back you'd just be relying on the ones you already have. I'm going to guess you're introverted? And you have a need for contact despite the fact that you lack the ability to do so (in a very rough manner of speaking). It's a tough situation.

Have you tried taking up golf? I've been paired up with lots of groups as a "single" and found it to be an interesting experience, even as someone who is very introverted. You're there to play but end up chatting with strangers for a few hours. And then you go on your way.

I guess I'm also somewhat surprised you haven't met other parents through your kids. That seems like the easy answer to getting some social interaction. If you've been married almost 20 years though, I'm going to guess your kids are too old at this point for "playdates" and things like that.

I think maybe your best option is volunteer work. If you're a veteran there's GOT to be organizations that would love to have your help.

On the telework front, I don't think this will matter to you but if (when?) they do allow permanent telework, but your wife would still be taking a paycut moving back to Utah as (I believe) that's "Rest of U.S." from a locality pay standpoint. Of course, you'd still come out ahead because, yeah, the D.C. area is expensive.

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