Based on the comments about these orthodox jews (over the months calling kollel people voluntarily unemployed, calling teachers people wo dont know enough to get a job etc) i would doubt you were going to be mixing much anyway.
The saddest takeaway is how unable you are to accept the existance of truth beyond your opinion, including actual Torah opinions not neatly fitting your scienced based nearsightedness. Smart people get stunted by self appeasement. Take a chance and let go of the reigns.