Pittsburgh--are you out there? [Archive]

lonelypghgrrl

05-14-2002, 09:07 AM

Looking for Pittsburghers who are suffering from a quarter-life crisis...or anyone!

Let me tell you, I'm miserable. Im 26 and have recently graduated with my masters in geology. I do have a job...great money and benefits...but its not very challenging or fulfilling. My family and mentors are so proud of me because I found this job so quickly and its a huge company...but I'm not happy. I usually feel bored. I also feel very alone. My fiance works 2-10 everyday, including weekends, so I never see him. I've just recently moved here and have no friends either. I'm alone and depressed. I feel mislead and lost. Help!

Unregistered

05-14-2002, 10:23 AM

I know exactly what you are going through.

I have all the trappings of what a successful life is supposed to be and am miserable. I eveb had an affair on my wife, which has been destroying my life.

Help!

lonelypghgrrl

05-14-2002, 10:38 AM

I haven't been to that point of cheating. I just miss my fiance and we live together! It really drags me down being alone constantly. It depresses me so much that I don't want to leave the house because I may see happy couples. And who wants to go out alone???

Also, there isnt' much interaction with people where I work. Its too quiet. I need interaction. I need to be active. I dont like being a desk jockey.

R U on yahoo?

lonelypghgrrl

05-14-2002, 10:43 AM

Anyone in pittsburgh interested in starting a local
support group??

Hot topics: Job bordeom, trappings, lonliness, never get to spend time with significant other, career paths, goals, etc.

Contact me!

jleigh

05-25-2002, 10:19 PM

Hi PGH girl,

I've lived in Pittsburgh for about five years (I went to undergrad and grad school here). I will soon be moving, but I am interested in doing a QLC support group. Take care.

Jess

lonelypghgrrl

05-26-2002, 12:33 AM

Great!

Now if we can get a few more people...and get a time/place set-up or even internet meetings...although human interaction is better...that'd be so awesome!

I'm serious about this! PLMK!

Jaime

lonelypghgrrl

05-28-2002, 08:13 AM

Let's get this thing going over email!

joshsgrrl@hotmail.com

Feel free to email me...lets talk about this!

Unregistered

06-15-2002, 11:11 AM

hey there!! I live in PGH too, all my life. Graduated from undergrad in 2001, may start grad classes at PITT this fall.. I know how you feel, for living here all my life, most of my friends have moved on/away and i also get very lonely. I have a wonderful boyfriend, but he is several hours away. I don't know if there are enough people to get together, but I think it's a great idea and I would be very interested.

How about one of the great coffeehouses in oakland or on the south side to meet?? Anyone else have any ideas???

Unregistered

06-25-2002, 02:07 PM

Hi all,
I'm also from the 'burgh. I've lived here, or at least nearby, all my life and feel like I might need to get out of town soon if things don't get any better. Like some others, most of my friends moved away, married, etc, and it gets a little boring and lonely sometimes. I feel like I've been in a funk for way too long and wondered how other people are coping. I have a decent job, at least it pays well, but other than that, I don't have much going on in my life anymore. Pittsburgh can be a tough place to really meet people. My last girlfriend moved here from Ga, and had a lot of complaints at first. She seems to be doing much better....
Anyway, I'm open to any discussions or am willing to listen to anyone wanting to vent.

B

Unregistered

08-21-2002, 04:06 PM

I tried to join the yahoo group, but it came back as non-existant... am i doing something wrong, or has the group disbanded already?

lonelypghgrrl

08-21-2002, 04:29 PM

We are definitely still here! And growing!!!
Feel free to email me, as stated in the last post @:

joshsgrrl@hotmail.com

You are welcome to join!!
Thanks!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QLC_Pittsburgh/ (http://)

:grin:

DietCokegrl22

09-13-2002, 02:38 AM

Hey Pittsburghers! My dad just sent me the book 2 days ago and I have read it over about 3 times already...it was so amazing to realize that OTHER people feel the same ways that I do! I was checking out the website, and I know that it's been a while since the Pittsburgh people have posted on here so I was wondering if you're still out here...the link doesn't work from the site! Just checking, write back if you get a chance and hopefully we can all chat :)

michele1176

09-14-2002, 11:37 PM

Hello, fellow Pennsylvanians! I live on the east side of Pennsylvania in Bethlehem, only about sixteen miles from the border of New Jersey, and I have often thought of moving to Pittsburgh.

Can anyone tell me anything about Pittsburgh: its economy, housing, taxes, what the people are like, and so on. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!!

Michele

lonleypghgrrl

09-15-2002, 03:04 PM

PGH...well, let's see...
Some people refer to it as a drinking town with a sports problem. That could be true...we like to drink..after working hard...and we stick with our steelers/pirates/penguins...no matter how BAD they are!!! But that's just one aspect of PGH. Yes, the cost of living is a lot lower than the "east coast" of PA, but many of us find it hard to find decent housing at a decent cost. See...we aren't in the highest pay bracket either. Depending on your specialty....the average pittsburgher makes 38K a year. And from my experience in my recent house-hunting, houses are on average about 80-90K. Now, mind you, they aren't the newest homes on the block. They are at least 40 years old. New homes will cost you about 150K and up. It's an old city. With old homes. Old buildings...but a solid work ethic. Real people. Down to earth people. We have what ur average city has...bars/clubs/malls...etc. I don't know what the out-of-towners would say about PGH...do they like it here better than back home? I dunno. I guess for me being from here...I'd rather live in Philly, but I think I'd get bored fast no matter where I live!!!
Cool pgh sites:
www.pittsburgh.com
www.realtor.com (to see housing)
www.southsidepgh.com

michele1176

09-15-2002, 09:04 PM

Several people I know who have gone out to Pittsburgh say they love it there. And for me, an average of $38,000 per year would make me feel wealthy, LOL! =)

Thanks for the links!

PghEngr

10-07-2002, 02:28 PM

Hi, Pittsburghers!

I have lived in Pittsburgh all of my life. I went to undergrad and grad achool at Pitt. I think we have a great city! Sometimes I have the urge to move away - just for something different, but I like being close to my family.

What do you the rest of you like to do for fun around here on the weekends?

DEBO

11-29-2002, 01:17 PM

Hello Fellow Pittsburgh Quarter-Lifers!
I just wanted to say that it has made me feel so much better knowing that other 20-something folks are sharing my dilemma! It is really getting lonely in Pittsburgh! My friends keep moving away, claiming that there is nothing to do here. I love Pittsburgh. I was born and raised nearby and have lived in Oakland for five years, (I'm graduating from Pitt this year, but I'm a nontraditional student and work full time.) I feel like I'm too old for the college crowd, but I'm still younger than everyone I work with, (I'm 22.) I feel like I can't leave this city, though. My whole family is here and I love my job and I don't think I'd like it anywhere else. I feel like I don't fit in here because of my age.
Does anyone know if there is a quarter-life crisis support group that meets anywhere around here?

dietzy

10-08-2003, 05:20 PM

Sorry to hear that life is not as exciting as you thought it might be. I use to know that feeling. I found that it really comes down to the people that you associate with. If you hang out with and associate with people that are also humdrum then it rubs off. It is much more exciting to hang out with people that are going somewhere in life. I am excited that I am now a part of a team of people like that.

Just curious...what part of Pittsburgh? What is there to do with geology in Pittsburgh? What kind of work does your fiance do?

Feel free to give me a response here, email me, or send me an IM at dietzy2320 on AOL or Yahoo.

veela

10-09-2003, 11:42 AM

hey not sure if any of you are still out there since most of these posts were done so long ago but whatever...

i'm 23 and born & raised in the burgh. i went to pitt as a commuter so didn't really make any friends there. i did a semester abroad where i met some of the most amazing people and my closest friends to this day but they all live elsewhere!

i only had a few close girlfriends here and 2 of them moved away and 1 has kids so i never get to hang out with her. the rest of my friends and i have drifted apart.

i really need some girls to hang out with but it's so hard to meet people. i work with older people, i've taken classes to no avail, just don't know what else to do. any girls from the burgh looking for people to go out with - anywhere from the bars on the southside to plays to movies, concerts, etc... let me know.

dietzy

10-09-2003, 11:52 AM

Veela...

So what did you major in? Working in your field right now? Boyfriend? Tell me more about yourself.

veela

10-09-2003, 02:03 PM

i was an english writing major and i work at a travel agency. i have a long-distance relationship sort of going right now. it's hard but that's okay, i'm strong. lol.

you?

senoy

10-13-2003, 05:28 PM

Wow, Pittsburgh posters. It was a year since the last post and I figured everyone was gone. I'm not really from Pittsburgh, I'm from Morgantown, WV (I'll forgive you Pitt people for the moment, but don't try talking to me on Backyard Brawl day :) ), but I'm up there all the time.

I'm a 25-year-old engineer (I'm a guy, sorry veela) that's doing computer programming for WVU. They pay for me to take classes, so I'm getting my Master's in History(I suffered through five years of electro magnetic field equations, I think I deserve to do something non-career realated that I enjoy for awhile.) I'd be willing to hang out with you veela, but you'd have to forgive my lack of being female.

Pittsburgh_fla

10-14-2003, 08:38 PM

Hi!

I live in Fla, but grew up in PGH! Does this qualify me for your group? :D

The Steelers are a disappointment thus far, but we ' Burghers never quit supporting our teams!:razz:

My e-mail is poet_sarah@hotmail.com

Nunpunch

10-16-2003, 04:05 PM

Hey there,
I also could not get the link to work, but I am definately interested in meeting some new faces - preferably girls since I have a boyfriend and could use some gal pals! Its tough when you spend most of your time at work and then have no motivation to try and meet new people! My boyf lives about 50 miles from pittsburgh and works weekends, so needless to say - we don't get to take part in a lot of the fun stuff in pittsburgh. I like taking my dog to the park, trying new restaurants, movies, bars, and trying any thing new! Currently I go to Curves gym and enjoy cooking and lame-o reality shows. Anyone out there struggling to meet new people?

veela

10-17-2003, 10:50 AM

you're in bloomfield? i'm the the LV. rivals.. .ha ha..

have you lived in the burgh all your life? where did you go to school? i also have a man living far away, though alot farther than 50 miles. it's hard. i've realized that i don't take advantage of the things that pgh does have to offer because i've been here forever so there's no novelty. but would like to start.

what type of music do you like? where do you like to go out??

Pittsburgh_fla

10-19-2003, 07:24 PM

Hey!

I was born and raised in the Butler,PA area. Glad to see that " yinz" started a thread for Pittsburghers.;)

I am 27 and attended nearby West Liberty State College in nearby Wheeling, WV for three years. Then I dropped out and moved to Florida where I sucessfully completed my bachelor's degree and am now employed with my first" real" job! ( with health insurance bennies)

How 'bout dem Steelers? Not doing so well, I'm afraid. But I miss watching every away game on teh TV, here I only get to see the Steelers play when they are featured on national TV.

Talk at ya later,
Sarah

Moonbeam

10-29-2003, 09:38 PM

I'm 26 & I too live in Butler but spent lots of time growing up in Pittsburgh because most of my family lives there. I know the city very well & visited all the major attractions the city has too offer. Its a great city but the winters suck:( I would love to go to Station Square & check out the Hard Rock Cafe & go to some of the clubs. Its been ages since I've been down there to Station Square. It would be great to have like a local support group.

neden

11-21-2003, 02:31 AM

I'm from Somerset, PA about 1.5 hrs. west of Pittsburgh. I have spent a good amount of time in the burgh'. One of my favorite cities to visit.

supershigirl

01-08-2004, 11:09 AM

hey are any of you pittsburghers still out there? i am from here - lived here all my life with a few exceptions during the summer - and am having an AWFUL time post-college. frequently i think about moving (like over half of my friends have), but i keep trying to find a career here before i decide to leave...anyone else going through the same thing?

dietzy

01-08-2004, 11:59 AM

supershigirl...

What do you mean when you say that you have had an awful time post-college?

What did you major in? Where did you go to school? What are you looking to do?

What part of Pgh are you in?

Little about me...26/m originally from the Poconos, now in Pittsburgh. Love it here even though all of the sports teams suck this year! Worked for 3 years as a recruiter downtown and now work for a trade organization that has 1300 member companies in Western PA as a Project Coordinator. What I am most excited about though is my own business, The SED Group.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

supershigirl

01-08-2004, 12:28 PM

this is the third time i have tried posting this!

hi! i live in shadyside and currently work downtown. what i meant about my "post college" experience is that career-wise, i am no where - not even close - to being on a path that i would like to be. i have a job that i absolutely HATE being at - everything about it makes me miserable. i'm looking, but nothing has worked out so far, and it's driving me crazy. this year, i'll prob go back to school for my masters...i'll also still be working full time to pay the bills. it would just be so much better if i didn't hate the world all day long!

supershigirl

01-08-2004, 02:26 PM

how do you check those?!

dietzy

01-08-2004, 02:29 PM

so supershi..

Must be something with the site...I had to post my response 3 or 4 times too....luckily I have learned to copy all of my text before clicking submit so I don't have to retype a message.

What do you WANT to do? what is your ideal job or career or money making endeavor?

What kind of work are you doing now that you hate so much?

I work with college students on a constant basis so I would have one piece of advice for you...don't go for a master's because you don't know what else to do. I see soooo many students and professionals do this and it gets them no where. Many times the second degree now overqualifies you for positions. I used to be a Recruiter and many times when I saw a masters on a resume, especially an MBA from Pitt or CMU, I would stop looking at it knowing that the person was going to now want a lot more money but yet still not have the real hands on experience required. Learning is awesome...strongly encourage it...and if you are changing careers or need the degree to even get into a field then by all means. But to go to grad school just to go or just because of a lack of better options will not get you ahead.

I REALLY recommend a great book called Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I recommend to people all the time. He talks about how to create income in the United States, our broken educational system, and how more degrees does not equal more money or more success. Great book and a fast read.

Like I said before too...I have a lot of connections with a ton of local companies...so let me know what you are looking for and maybe I can help. I also own a business that is expanding right now.

dietzy

01-08-2004, 02:54 PM

Sorry Weirdbrake....must have gotten lost in the shuffle...just sent you a PM though.

Know of any other good message boards for Pittsburgh? I don't think this one gets a lot of traffic.

supershigirl

01-08-2004, 03:06 PM

my current job is office slave at an insurance brokerage firm...so, not only do i not like the work, i am not "putting my time in" in the right industry. basically, i feel as if i am wasting my time.

i have a bachelors in political science....ideally i would like to be in public/media relations or poltical communication (pgh not real good for the politics side). i am looking at getting my masters in pr. i understand what you are saying about masters overqualifying people, but right now, i am being told i am underqualified for everything out there.

i'm trying to get more experience other ways too - like volunteering for non profits to write press releases, brouchures, etc...

i am just having the hardest time finding a new job - and my expectations aren't for some hugely important / great job....i just want a job that is a foundation for a career...and i'm not currently at that.

where are you working now?

dietzy

01-08-2004, 03:21 PM

I do work for the Pittsburgh Technology Council and my own business. The Tech Council has job postings for all sorts of different career fields and it is worth checking it for opportunities. I think there is close to 800 jobs on there right now. Here is the link: http://www.pghtech.org

Ever heard of a company called GSP Consulting? I don't think they hire many people, but they are a pretty powerful and very well connected political company here in Pittsburgh. I have a friend that works over there and also know of some people that work in the Santorum office.

Best tip I can give people on job searching...NETWORK! It is sooooo important!

Ever think of owning a business of your own? Ever think of doing anything with the internet?

dietzy

01-08-2004, 03:27 PM

I guess I should also mention that you can look at the membership directory on the Council website as well. So the Career Center is a great resource for posting your resume and searching for jobs, but the directory allows you to find out about close to 1300 companies in Pittsburgh that you might not have ever know even existed.

supershigirl

01-09-2004, 10:25 AM

hello pitsurgh! i am cold and still really hating my job this morning, but you know what?! it's friday and as of 330 (i am leaving early today) i won't have to think about this place for 2 days!! i can't wait till happy hour! :)

dietzy

01-09-2004, 11:23 AM

Kind of sad that we wish our lives away for 5 days out of the week to live for 2. Man I can't wait to retire!

Did you find the website useful shigirl?

Where are you going for drinks?

Ever consdier owning a business of your own? One of things I do is teach people how to do that and allow them to have a better lifestyle in the process. Let me know.

supershigirl

01-09-2004, 12:08 PM

i have been looking at those sites...thank you. hopefully, i will get something soon so i don't have to complain on this board any more...haha.

not sure where i am going yet tonight...but i still can't wait :razz:

supershigirl

01-12-2004, 03:08 PM

mondays are my least favorite day of the week. so long until the weekend!

dietzy

01-13-2004, 01:35 PM

Poor Poor Shigirl! Any job leads yet? Any wild and crazy plans for the upcoming weekend?

supershigirl

01-13-2004, 03:51 PM

i'm sending resumes out, but not many people are calling! :cry: not sure what the plans are this weekend...i'm just trying to get through the week!!! how are you doing?

dietzy

01-13-2004, 05:05 PM

Doing awesome! Thanks for asking.

Do you ever attend networking events? This is a great way to meet people and puts you head and shoulders above someone just sending a resume. Many times colleges will have networking events for their alumni...I know mine is at the end of the month. So easy to start a conversation with someone in that environment because it is simply, "So...what year did you graduate?"

Many times professional organizations like the American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh Human Resource Association etc etc have great events that are industry specific. Then there are general organizations in Pittsburgh like PYP and PUMP that are for young professionals. They do a lot of cool networking events.

Let me know if I can help out any.

supershigirl

01-15-2004, 11:35 AM

i have never tried a networking event...have you ever gone to them? what are they like?

dietzy

01-16-2004, 10:40 AM

I have been to TONS of networking events. They are usually just social gatherings...food...sometimes music or a band. Sometimes there is a guest speaker. They usually have a theme or a topic...like I am going to one for alumns of RMU at the end of the month....there is one in downtown that meets weekly that is themed to entrepreneurship...I have been to industry specific events for human resources...and then really things like corporate Christmas parties are really networking events.

Networking can be done anytime and anywhere though...I meet people just as I am living life...met a lawyer at Target the other night...meet all kinds of interesting people in Barnes and Noble...met a youth pastor at Borders two nights ago.

Any other tips on networking....let me know....got a ton of them!

pisces2473

01-16-2004, 11:22 AM

Not from Pittsburgh, but I read the comments about networking. It can be done at the most casual of places, like Dietzy said he met someone at Target. I went to an alumni phonathon for my school's annual fund last night. I sat and called people to solicit donations, but also met other alumni from the area. A few people from my school's alumni office came down from RI to organize the event, and I chatted with them, got their cards, etc. I was sort of hesitant to go, but alumni offices REALLY do care about their alumni. It's so funny...but I think a good thing to do is to get involved with your school's alumni club. Luckily, my school has a LOT of alumni in the area where I live, so we have a lot of events going on. If there's not much to do in your area, call the school and find out why! They are there to help you.

dietzy

02-03-2004, 02:27 PM

Pittsburgh was slipping down the list...just wanted to post a message to move us back toward the top of the list...

How about them parking taxes!!

dietzy

03-18-2004, 02:53 PM

Leaving a message here for two reasons...

1. Get Pittsburgh back up in the Top 10

2. To see if anyone from Pittsburgh that ever looks at this board might know any bar, club, restaurant, or fitness center owners in the area.

Send me a private message if you do and I will give you additional details.

Scott

neden

03-19-2004, 03:33 PM

Checking in from Somerset, PA. Not too far from the burgh.

pghabs

09-13-2004, 06:59 PM

Hi-
I am a reporter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writing an article about people going through quarter life crises in Pittsburgh. I saw that you have Pittsburgh in your user name - would you be willing to be interviewed for the article? If not, do you know someone who might? I can be reached at asemuels@post-gazette.com, or 412-263-1928.
Thanks!

FormerPgher

11-07-2004, 11:14 AM

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh but left for college, moved back, and then moved out again. As a guy, I found Pittsburgh alienating. Sure Pittsburgh is a "guy's town". However, as a guy, if you're not into the traditional "NASCAR dad" beer and sports scene, Pittsburgh has more limited opportunities than many other cities. Its not even because Pittsburgh is a smaller city either. Other mid-sized cities like Seattle and Portland are less sports oriented. Basically, if you're not into sports and you're not a guy, your social options are much more limited.
When I was growing up in Pittsburgh, I found it hard - no impossible - to hang out with other guys and NOT have to talk about sports (a topic on which I had no interest). When I went away for college it was liberating to meet people who were more diverse in their interests. Then when I moved back it was back to sports hell - perhaps worse since many of the people who weren't as sports-minded moved out. Then I moved out again and am finidng it MUCH easier for me to meet people since, unlike Pittsburgh, the qualification to be a "real guy" no longer requires that the guy spend all his free time watching ESPN.
I don't mean to sound critical, but Pittsburgh's problem seems to be compounding. Because the scene is so sports-oriented it alienates people who aren't as sports-oriented. Then those people leave which only strengthens the sports-orientation of Pittsburgh. I guess this affects women too since women looking for men who aren't as sports-oriented have a much more limited selection.
I know this will not be a popular statement, but I think if Pittsburgh DID lose its sports teams it would be a better city.

WeirdBrake

11-07-2004, 01:11 PM

Ughhhh.... I HATE Pittsburgh!!! I'm currently a third year law student at Pitt; I only came here for law school, and I am leaving here as soon as I can.

I'm also a guy who has no interest in sports, so the whole "sports town" vibe gets on my nerves like you wouldn't believe. I was once very interested in sports.... baseball, football, etc.......... and then I turned ten. Seriously, I don't see what the appeal is, but I suppose there are some things I'll never understand.

I also hate Pittsburgh for other reasons. It's an inconvenient city. The streets are poorly marked and poorly designed so that even familiar drivers put themselves 20 minutes out of their way with one accidental wrong turn. It's a dirty city. The parking here is terrible. The drivers are brain-dead. Everything closes at 5. And to top it off, it's unfriendly.

maxwell78

11-07-2004, 01:40 PM

Well I know where I'm moving! Sports Hell, baby! You guys can have Portland. I'll trade you. :D

cloudyday

11-07-2004, 11:20 PM

Hey everyone, I'm a Pittsburgher as well. I actually live outside of Vandergrift which is about an hour NE of the burgh (Kiski Area for those that know school district locations). I went to Westminster for undergrad and Kent State for grad school, so I've always been in the area.

Out in my area its EXTREMELY boring, there aren't even bookstores, coffee shops, or anything interesting. If anyone knows much to do interesting around the city (on a continual basis, not like seeing a Pens game or anything) let me know!

shimmer728

11-08-2004, 08:31 AM

Cloudyday, I'm originally from Greensburg. That's not too far away from Vandergrift. :)

pghftl

11-08-2004, 11:49 PM

My quarterlife crisis began May 2003. I got my bachelor's in management and have been looking for a "real job" ever since. I couldn't find anything in PGH making more than $8.50/HR. I moved to Florida only to be in same situation. Now I'm making the same, and still looking for a good job. I'm going back to PGH to go to nursing school. Can a quarter life crisis be blamed on a recession?