The only problem with my current life is that even though I can say I'm happy (with my family and girlfriend), I can't socialize with most people my age, because they are in a different state of mind (only thinking about partying, the girl they hooked up last weekend, etc)
Consider changing them to another set, you might be happier. Try choosing people with a serious hobby, they tend to be deeper.
I've worked hard to get where I am now, and I've got a good s/w dev job, and am working towards having my own s/w company etc. And it takes a long time and it's hard but I still do it because I've a clear vision of where I want to be. But my friends aren't like that. Mostly they have jobs that they do only for the money, and aren't driven to put the extra effort in outside of work in order to get where they would prefer to be.
I have quite a few friends (I like to think!), and I'm not friends with them because they further my own selfish ends, I'm friends with them because they're good people to be around, they're funny and witty, and we're pretty much guaranteed a good laugh when we get together. I couldn't imagine deliberately splitting away from them in order to meet more business-minded people.
Surely if you "choose" friends (because making good friends is really as easy as saying, "I'll have you, you, and you") solely for selfish means then you're not being a good friend to anyone. Although I do want to make money and be rich and run my own company, I have no interest in being the next Tim Ferris (author of The 4 Hour Work Week), who I see as being the personification of self-interest.
This is not meant as a criticism, only that I think that we should be careful with the "change your friends" advice. Good friends are as much an investment of your time and energy as anything else.
Also, as a s/w entrepreneur myself who hangs out with a lot of similar people, I made an effort over the last few years to make friends on different career paths. It's nice to talk about something besides technology and startups from time to time.
My closest friend is still a college buddy. He works in a completely different industry and has different goals in life, but we still relate on a fundamental level.
Absolutely. So, what is the ROI on your investment? And, do you understand what "sunk costs" means?
> I couldn't imagine deliberately splitting away from them in order to meet more business-minded people.
Then don't. However, the consequences of your choices don't depend on whether you want said consequences.
While you're at it, look up "false dilemma". Your current friends and "business-minded people" aren't the only options.
> Your current friends and "business-minded people" aren't the only options.
I agree, I inferred that these were the only two options from the "change your friends" advice. I wanted to highlight the importance of having a good set of people around you, and that aiming only for business-minded people is probably a bad idea (in my opinion). Especially since I've seen this advice handed out more than once on this forum and others.
It's not "necessary", but why would you keep friends who aren't "worth it", however you define both "worth" and "it"?
Once you've found one you suddenly have access to a sizable colony. It's easy once it's your priority. Try finding them over internet.
Not much point seeking for them by visiting ordinary parties since they rarely attend these.