Quitting your social circle

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Hello. Disclosure first- i haven't been diagnosed with asperger's or a form of autism (saw a psychologist who pooh-poohed the notion, never bothered after that- though i've suspected myself to be autistic for a long while).

I'm 34, had what one might call a fairly successful career as a graphic artist in the animation/advertising industry before quitting a year ago (because i couldn't take dealing with people anymore). Due to a fit of anger/disappointment, i decided to delete all my accounts on social networks a week ago. Rationally, i see how that might have been a bad idea since I've spent about 10 years building up contacts/relationships there, but I'm also feeling a lot of anger towards those same people.

I guess my question is: i'm fairly certain i can live without friends, so that's cool- but professionally, can i afford to ignore the people i've worked with? Do any of you guys have any experience in this area? Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated~

Well I left Facebook but I'm signed up with LinkedIn. I'm hoping with that I can establish professional career connections.

If you want to smooth things over with contacts or reach out to people still worth your time, you might consider saying that you were just moving to another network such as LinkedIn.

I'd emphasize I'm not linking up with friends or family unless they happen to have skills related to mine or work in the same industry.

My interactions with people who I have worked with in prior jobs is pretty much zero. We've all moved on our separate ways. Except in two cases, I wouldn't have the vaguest idea what to even say to them if I were to run into them again.

Thanks guys for replying!

@ VIDEODROME: Like you, I've kept only my linkedin account intact, but I'm uncertain about its efficacy with establishing new contacts (so far in my experience, i get recommendations from some of my former clients, but no new work). I wish i COULD tell the contacts uninvolved in my blowout that it wasn't anything personal, but my industry is fairly small where i am, and i've effectively committed career hara-kiri. Thanks very much for your advice though

@ eric76: Me neither! I stink at small talk and any form of socializing i did (which was only in some kind of work-related context) was over drinks after work (my entire social circle being made out of colleagues/ppl in related companies). I think i've resigned myself to trying to work exclusively freelance... augh!

I have family members and friends who are graphic designers. They are successful (aka, receiving a steady income), because they rely heavily on their friends and aquaintances. It's all about word-of-mouth. Dissecting your social life may impact your professional (at least, in this field of work). It is expected for one to develop a relationship with another in order to build trust with a potential client. Once you build your clientelle, it would be poor business practice to cut those who have helped you, out of your life.

Maybe figure out a better solution so you don't end up in a financial crisis.

@ answeraspergers: Thank you- that's true *sigh* and i was hoping to find a loophole.

@ ASDsmom - Thanks so much for the response. I agree with that, that one needs approval to get ahead. In my experience,that's been extremely true indeed. I'm currently looking at doing freelance work outside my country, so I think it's a good working compromise

I wanted to find a loophole too!

about being abroad - i think you will find you enjoy people more abroad. I do. Of course this depends on where you go but you find more acceptance and less judgement imo. Its just easier to be different if you are not in your own country.

@ answeraspergers: has it really been better for you? *hopeful eyes* I suppose i'm seeing my own situation through my own unhappiness, but i sorta do feel people judge personal eccentricities (like being quiet and keeping to yourself) less in large cities (the ones i've visited anyhow). I've been holding off on any jobs that require relocation. Thanks so much for the reply... It's given me something to think about.