Advice on how to present myself at work

[Bluecat7]

I’ve never got this right. I can do the small talk chat, but never feel able to talk about much that interests me. I work with some lovely people and some not so lovely ones. I just find it all exhausting as some of them thrive on workplace drama and gossip. I just don’t know how to ignore it without looking unfriendly. How does everyone else do it?

What makes you think you're getting it wrong? The majority of people you work with will be avoiding the drama and gossip. Has someone told you you need to do something different?

At the moment it’s mainly drama and gossip. It really difficult to avoid. I suppose I’m really asking how to stay detached. Is it rude just to do the job and go home?

Honestly, if you look unfriendly and disinterested, it's a good thing. It means they won't involve you in the gossip.

No, not rude at all. Most people don't get involved with drama and gossip at work.

I work with a small group of people. My boss likes shooting, cycling and his wife and children.

My colleagues like their DCs & scotch whisky, one likes cars, one likes cooking and one likes travel.

I can normally find something to talk about with each of them.

That way if the office gossip gets nasty, I can sit it out or try to lead the conversation elsewhere. And sitting one conversation out is never an issue

IME (extensive) it's never a good idea to get involved in the gossip and drama, because at some point it'll be about you. While remaining on good terms as far as possible with colleagues, you are after all there to work.