New contractors

When new contractors join our team at work, it's always a mixed experience. It's good to have more help, but it's also a reminder of the transient nature on contract work—these days the contractors are replacements, not augmentations.

But one thing that I have grown to loathe is the introductory meeting. On a new team member's first day, we all get together in the morning and go around a table, introducing ourselves. I very much enjoy meeting people and giving them a feel for my personality, but one of the key aspects of the introduction is to say how long you've been with the company. With every passing month this becomes more painful, as time ticks by and I stand still.

Today we got to meet a new contractor. For time of service I simply said "a good long while". Even though my role has changed and grown, I'm still an environmental compliance coordinator, and five years is too long. And too embarrassing.