Feeling Sidelined as a Contractor: How Do I Stop Taking It Personally?

Hey everyone,

A few months ago, I embarked on a new journey as a support engineer for a US-based company. As someone working remotely and as a contractor, I expected the usual challenges; however, what I didn’t anticipate was the feeling of being sidelined. While the work itself is manageable and the pay is decent, something has been nagging at me: the perception that I’m not fully part of the team.

The Contractor Conundrum

Working as a contractor can have its perks. The flexibility, the independence, and the opportunity to work with diverse companies can be incredibly appealing. Yet, there’s a flip side. In my experience, I’ve noticed that the full-time engineers often seem to overlook my presence. Questions I pose on Slack remain unanswered, and I find myself excluded from essential pull request (PR) reviews. It’s as if there’s an invisible line that separates me from the core team—one that I can’t quite cross.

Being left out of key backend meetings adds to the feeling of isolation. When discussions arise on Slack, my name is notably absent from the list of tagged individuals. This has left me questioning my value within the team. Do they see me as competition? Or is it that they simply don’t consider me part of their inner circle? The uncertainty is frustrating, and it’s taken a toll on my motivation.

The Impact on My Professional Identity

The feeling of being sidelined has made me hesitant to fully embrace my new role. In fact, I haven’t even updated my LinkedIn profile to reflect this job. It’s as if I’m afraid to claim an identity that doesn’t feel validated by my colleagues. The weight of this experience has led me to wonder: how can I stop taking all of this so personally?

Disconnecting From the Emotional Weight

To navigate this challenging situation, I’ve been reflecting on a few strategies and insights from fellow contractors that may help me—and others in similar positions—move forward.

1. Embrace the Contractor Mindset: One comment I received resonated deeply with me: “Corporate culture sucks, in my opinion, and it’s awesome to do a job, get paid, and not have to participate in it.” This perspective encourages me to focus on the fact that, as a contractor, I am not obligated to immerse myself in the corporate culture. My primary goal should be to complete my tasks effectively, receive my compensation, and maintain my professional integrity.

2. Seek Clarity: Another piece of advice was to “go fishing” to see what’s going on. This means reaching out for clarity about my role and responsibilities. By initiating conversations with my colleagues and supervisors, I can better understand their expectations of me and express my desire to be more involved. It’s essential to communicate openly about my eagerness to contribute and gain insights from my experience.

3. Focus on Continuous Learning: A fellow contractor wisely pointed out that “you’re just a resource that can be hired and fired at will.” This is a crucial reminder not to take things personally. Instead of feeling disheartened, I should focus on delivering quality work and continuously learning. Each experience, even if it feels isolating, is an opportunity to grow and prepare for the next role.

4. Build Your Network: Finally, it’s vital to remember that my professional identity isn’t solely tied to this one role. Engaging with other professionals in my field, whether through LinkedIn or other networking platforms, can help me feel more connected and appreciated. Building relationships outside of my immediate team can provide a sense of belonging and community.

Conclusion

While feeling sidelined as a contractor can be disheartening, it’s important to recognize that this experience is not a reflection of my worth or capabilities. By shifting my focus away from the emotional weight of being overlooked and towards my professional growth, I can regain my motivation and confidence.

I hope that sharing my journey resonates with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Remember, we are all on our unique paths, and it’s okay to carve out your own space in the professional world. Let’s connect, share our experiences, and support one another in this ever-evolving landscape of work.

Have you ever felt sidelined in a similar situation? How did you navigate it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!