<p>Dkitty, the only thing I can suggest is that he put the phrase “willing to travel” on his resume and see if he can get a job with more variety. Or tell him to get married and have kids… That would enliven things 
I hope things look up for him.</p>
<p>I think your advice to your son was correct. Living in NYC will cure anyone of boredom and there is a broad spectrum of people living there. It will be much easier for him to find kindred spirits in the city. While I certainly understand the economic advantages of living at home after college, I think it can be a little demoralizing for a young graduate. I lived at home for one year between college and graduate school. I had very reasonable and loving parents but I found it very hard. I felt like I was taking 2 steps backward.</p>
<p>Parts of the book “The Defining Decade,” by psychologist Meg Jay, touch on the issue of first-time jobs. Your S may want to look through it.</p>
<p>I agree that he needs to move out and live with his peers, even if you have to help him with rent.</p>
<p>Has he applied or considered a job at a ubiversity campus, where he can have more intellectual discussions? Americorp?</p>
<p>I think transitioning from school to work is hard. Just as when you go from high school to college is hard too for awhile. Any change takes time. Work is different than college and it takes time to find your rhythm and comfort. </p>
<p>I know the first year working was really hard for my S and his girlfriend. They were away from home and each other. My S worked with people he didn’t have much in common with and it was hard to find friends and things to do. He really struggled socially, the same was true for him when he went from high school to college. He liked his job though. He stuck with it and the scope of his job changed. He switched his job into one where he travels every week (his boss suggested it, it was better to have the single guy travel). He loves his new job, he loves the people he works with and the project he is in. Things could not have worked out better, but it took time. Over a year. </p>
<p>D found a job in the city she went to school in. Socially the job is great, they hired a bunch of new college graduates at the same time and she has found many new friends. And she’s close to her boyfriend and his friends. But the job, not so great. The company, not so great. </p>
<p>So 2 kids, 2 different outcomes, none of them ideal. But mostly time helped. And the expectations you have of work are different than the reality. And it’s surprising how hard it is to work! How tired you are at first! It’s hard to get up early every day and both of my kids work more than 40 hours. They are tired and there is an adjustment to the hours which is tiring.</p>