Identity

So, I’m rapidly approaching my sixth month into my first contract. What was once sold to me as a “quick 2-3 month” term has blossomed into what will potentially be a 6-7 month thing.

They like me! They really like me! Or…they’re just desperate…

Hard to believe I’ve been putting up with this ridiculous commute for that long. Though I’ve been told that wherever I end up next will definitely be closer to home… We. Shall. See.

That’s just it, right? Everything is entirely out of my control. Part of me is a bit annoyed, but part of me is excited at the concept that I don’t know exactly where I’ll be in the next 2-3 months.

One thing is for certain, this extended contract I’m on now has really allowed me to redefine what my identity is in the workplace. You see, for years, my entire professional career in fact, I’ve always been what you’d call a “company man”. I’ve always been fiercely loyal to wherever I’ve worked. I’ve taken the salary/benefits/vacation/whatever and rolled with it, all the while immersing myself in the office politics of wherever I’ve called home (radio, telecom, property management, cruising, etc).

I’m not that guy any more.

Now, I’m hourly paid. A consultant. A “temp”, for those too ignorant to understand the nuances of the industry.

I’m not involved in the day-to-day. I come in, do whatever work they want me to do, clock out and go home.

It really is a new vibe. People definitely treat me differently. You see, I’m not one of them. I’m not going to be there for the long haul. I’m not as invested as they are in the company, and they know it.

I’m just part-time. Though, I’m pretty sure I make more money than most of them.

Being somewhat of an introvert, this doesn’t really bother me. I’ve always relished the opportunity to put my head down and do the job at hand. I’m not big on meetings or group lunches. I’m an island.

It’s quite a different vibe going from being the company man to the lone island of productivity. Now, I go in and impress, unencumbered by the tedium of the office politics.

I define my expectations of my output, not my tenure with the company.