[idi banashapan]

not at all. sounds like you're in a right pickle! I know what you mean about odd shifts. I used to work 24hr shifts up to a year ago and it would constantly rotate nights, lates then days. horrible! you're absolutely right - it means you're so tired the LAST thing you want to do is go out.

unfortunately, in todays economic climate, the best thing to do just isn't viable, which is to look for another job. though 9 years seems a looooong time to spend in a job you hate.

it's a shame when there's no one at work you can relate to. I'm lucky that the jobs I've had over the years have always come with a great bunch of people too, however, I too have had some idiot managers (though luckily, not anymore).

as for my point about talking to people and getting to know them / them to know you - you've just told us a bit about yourself, tell them too. and no, you don;t need to get drunk to have a good time. I very very rarely drink (the missus bought some beers for christmas and they are still in the fridge now!).

not sure what more to suggest other than to get out on your days off or in the mornings. i get the impression you have fallen into a spiral of darkness and need to get off ASAP.

do you have any hobbies? thought about retraining or looking for work in the area you studied in? I'm sure I know the answers, but you have to keep at it. jobs don't fall on laps.

you come across as intelligent and more than capable of bettering yourself if you set your mind to it. sometimes it just needs a smile and a glimmer of hope that things can be better to give you that push start, but it can only come from within you. it doesn't matter what others say to you.