[MisterBastahrd]

I'm not a child. I don't go into the workplace looking for bonding. You know what bonding gets you when you get laid off? A cone of silence because you're immediately forgotten. If you are attempting to create a social life through your work environment, you're doing it wrong. This isn't to say you can't have friends at work, or create professional networks, but you should never pretend that your co-workers will automatically be your friends or want to be your friends, especially in competitive environments. It isn't good for you and it isn't good for them.

[s1artibartfast]

My experience is the opposite. I bond with coworkers and get frequent job offers, career tips, and solid life advice.

We go hang out, go camping together, and watch each others kids,

It would be moronic to think coworkers will "automatically" be friends, but I have found work to be a great place to hunt for friends.

Also, it helps to have friends in a competitive environment. It can be very good for you and good for them. You just have to collaborate to boost competitive advantage against everyone else. Friends that will talk you up to leadership (with justification) is basically a workplace hack. Not to mention being friends with your boss or boss's boss. Extremely good for you.

[iancmceachern]

I do all these things too, but I don't need to be required go into an office to do so.

[s1artibartfast]

My post was in response to someone claiming that not only is it pointless to make friends with coworkers, it is actively disadvantageous.

In contacts of the greater discussion, I'm sure some people like you are capable of developing these relationships virtually, while others are not. That said, I wouldn't trust a virtual coworker a thousand miles away to watch my kids, haha.

[zero-sharp]

I've had it both ways. As soon I leave, I don't hear from those people ever again. On the other hand, I've also made good friends that have lasted for years beyond the employment.

The tone of your post doesn't really help. You're not a child so you don't go looking for bonding in the workplace? Haha okay Mr Adult. Jesus Christ. Forming relationships is such a basic human thing.