I don't -- all of my "communities" are through work. Not the answer you're looking for, but I've been working in tech long enough at this point that I'm pretty sure it's not going to change (for me).
Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
31–40 of 585 posts
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#32It’s not been mentioned yet, but if you play music then going to jam sessions is a great way to meet people. You’re all on a journey together toward improving as musicians which helps things to gel. As a jazz musician I can find a jam session in pretty much any city I go to. If you don’t play you can always go just to listen, watch and be inspired
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#33Live in a village, get a partner, have children, participate in children's schooling.
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#34You asked, so I'll tell you: My local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. https://jw.org . I've never been happier in my life, and the sense of purpose, community, and security has never been higher. I won't espouse any religious teachings here, that's what the link above is for should you choose to visit it. The most amazing part is that it's genuine and trustworthy. It's all made of imperfect humans to be sure, bu…
Eh, it's genuine as long as you subscribe to their set of beliefs. This may not be a problem for you, but for folks who care about reality, it could be more difficult.
The difference between this and say, a rec soccer team, is that it's an all-or-nothing endeavor. You can't "casually" become a Jehovah's Witness (or any other religion), you have to decide that your entire life is aligned to those principles.
I'm not knocking it (here, anyway), but I would hesitate to join a religion to make friends.
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#35I joined the Freemasons. It's been awesome, I've met a great group of guys and we talk smack and eat soup. Good stuff.
How does it work ? I always kind of assumed you had to be invited to join, that it was not something you can just go to and register ?
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#36Joined a fraternal organization. Meets once a month, 8mo a year. Made new friends I'm in touch with most days as a result. Shop around, ymmv, etc, but having a routine that maintains relationships yields benefits by itself.
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#37I mean.. what do you like to do? Go find a community that does that thing. You should already have something you do "for you", so regardless of whether you connect to the community or not, you're still getting something out of it.
I would also say to be hyper-aware around communities that try to make a "second family". They can be fine, but can also lead to some toxic attachment/codependency and result in some gnarly outcomes. Moderation is key.
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#38jiujitsu though competition gets a little toxic and filled with egos, friday night magic and mtg in general was fun for a bit until i realized how much of a cash sink it is. skateboarding, snowboarding and to some extent surfing, thats more of a loner thing. bowls at the skatepark are usually fun, social and laid back.
I second the magic the gathering suggestion, in particular if you go to tournaments. I have met a lot of cool people by preparing a tournament, discussing metagame choices, then spending three days living a shared experience (the tournament itself).
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#39I moved back to NYC after a long time away, and to a different part of town than where many of my old friends live, and getting a dog considerably improved my connection with the folks around me.
And of course, as others have said, volunteering.
Re: Ask HN: Where have you found community outside of work?
#40The church is like a second family for me. I made so many great friends there! Of course it will not be for everyone, but if you are open to it you can try.
For those who aren't religious, there's also Sunday Assembly: https://www.sundayassembly.org/
For those who are spiritual but not Christian, there's also the Unitarian Universalist Association: https://www.uua.org/