I did this. Started my first "proper" job in London (in an office). Used to go home at 5:30 and fiddle with my linux machine (that I was learning how to use) th

I did this. Started my first "proper" job in London (in an office). Used to go home at 5:30 and fiddle with my linux machine (that I was learning how to use) then go to bed. So, I started going out to the London Linux User Group. I made friends there, and a few of us ended up going out for weekly curries/tech markets together, getting drinks, and eventually attending each others weddings (John, if you're reading this, we're all still sorry we laughed when the offical said your middle name was "Leonard"). I live in Manchester now, and have worked from home for about 12 years. I ran the local Ruby user group, and run the local Go group, and these groups have provided me with a group of great friends. Even in the relatively non-tech heavy NW England there's a tech event on most nights, and lots of non-tech groups to find. I don't think the situation is as dire as you make out :)