The new guy

[CheeseSlice]

So you've just started your new contract, and you notice this strange but familiar feeling around you.....

Maybe you get cut some slack for not knowing who's who yet, or the processes you need to follow to get things done....
Or maybe you're having a ball showing off your experience, impressing those who haven't worked you out yet. They're being extra polite, helpful or professional towards you rather than thinking you're a
Perhaps 'lifer' permies or the other contractors look down on you because you don't yet know the clientco's business or the epic project or system you're working on (that'll soon change )
Or perhaps people notice how surprised you look when they test the fire alarm, whilst everyone else stares blindly at their computer screen....

...you're a fresh face, new blood, fair game, fresh meat to the grinder...

Whatever it is, people regard you as 'the new guy'

How long do you find it takes to shake off the 'new guy' image, and to become part of the furniture?

This is a record for me.. almost 6 months in and I 'think' I've just about shaken it
I've had shorter contracts....

[sasguru]

So you've just started your new contract, and you notice this strange but familiar feeling around you.....

Maybe you get cut some slack for not knowing who's who yet, or the processes you need to follow to get things done....
Or maybe you're having a ball showing off your experience, impressing those who haven't worked you out yet. They're being extra polite, helpful or professional towards you rather than thinking you're a
Perhaps 'lifer' permies or the other contractors look down on you because you don't yet know the clientco's business or the epic project or system you're working on (that'll soon change )
Or perhaps people notice how surprised you look when they test the fire alarm, whilst everyone else stares blindly at their computer screen....

...you're a fresh face, new blood, fair game, fresh meat to the grinder...

Whatever it is, people regard you as 'the new guy'

How long do you find it takes to shake off the 'new guy' image, and to become part of the furniture?

This is a record for me.. almost 6 months in and I 'think' I've just about shaken it
I've had shorter contracts....

In any new job permie or contractor I always come in fully focused on the task in hand and do anything to get it done.
And since I'm economically secure I don't give a tulip what anyone thinks of me or what the hierarchy is.
Since few people can match my focus, will and talent, not to mention my ability not to give a tulip, the "new boy" feeling doesn't last very long and I'm soon dominating the place.

HTH

[russell]

So you've just started your new contract, and you notice this strange but familiar feeling around you.....

Maybe you get cut some slack for not knowing who's who yet, or the processes you need to follow to get things done....
Or maybe you're having a ball showing off your experience, impressing those who haven't worked you out yet. They're being extra polite, helpful or professional towards you rather than thinking you're a
Perhaps 'lifer' permies or the other contractors look down on you because you don't yet know the clientco's business or the epic project or system you're working on (that'll soon change )
Or perhaps people notice how surprised you look when they test the fire alarm, whilst everyone else stares blindly at their computer screen....

...you're a fresh face, new blood, fair game, fresh meat to the grinder...

Whatever it is, people regard you as 'the new guy'

How long do you find it takes to shake off the 'new guy' image, and to become part of the furniture?

This is a record for me.. almost 6 months in and I 'think' I've just about shaken it
I've had shorter contracts....

6 months???? I usually get to know everyone in a few weeks and after the first month I am having beers with them. Maybe you are socially awkward?

[MaryPoppins]

How long do you find it takes to shake off the 'new guy' image, and to become part of the furniture?

This is a record for me.. almost 6 months in and I 'think' I've just about shaken it
I've had shorter contracts....

Used to take me longer, quicker these days because it doesn't take me as long to identify the problems that require focus, and I therefore get involved more quickly.

I also try to identify someone I can have a bit of banter with.

Edit: I never want to be seen as 'part of the furniture' !!!

[MaryPoppins]

6 months???? I usually get to know everyone in a few weeks and after the first month I am having beers with them. Maybe you are socially awkward?

Ah. You're THAT guy.

Forcing yourself on new work mates is never good.

[russell]

The best contracts Ive had is when you start at the same time as a bunch of other contractors.

[doodab]

Forcing yourself on new work mates is never good.

Better to wait for them to throw themselves at you, eh?

[MaryPoppins]

Better to wait for them to throw themselves at you, eh?

No need for sarcasm sir.

[Zippy]

On average, about a week. I had one contract where I was invited to the pub on the first day. I liked that one

[EternalOptimist]

very rare that I try to integrate into team, and even rarer that I try to get too personal, except for a bit of office banter. But I have made a couple of friendships that have lasted over ten years. Becoming part of the furniture ? <shudder>