Many conflicts arise because teachers do not work well together. Perhaps your independent nature is best suited for activity where you will work on your own. A balance or a complement to another person's personality might be the answer. An extra-curricular activity may require a judgmental thinker as well as the intuitive, creative person. Many difficulties can be avoided if you consider with whom you will be working.
Some teachers never attend any staff function in their association with the school.
You do not have to be a social butterfly but socializing serves many purposes. Learning more about people's backgrounds and personalities helps you to understand their points of view. Help with activities and classroom need will be more forthcomming as you create friendships. Some schools friends become life time friends. I believe an anti-social attitude is frowned upon, so plan to attend at least one function during the year.