Hi i am a woman in my early 20's working at a temporary job (2 year contract, 1 year in now) for come context as my friends say it may be relevant: I have autism but i go to therapy and have worked on a lot of thing at work I make sure to actively listen, as clarifying questions (in private if necessary) am mindful of how my words can hurt people, i go to the celebrations, i par take in the optional team building, i remember birthdays, celebrate, try be kind when giving critique and partake in conversations. In addition, my work is 'heavy' and unique?? i guess. no one else in my organisation has my job, so when it comes to my work, its generally solo, i can use a team if needed but i don't really need to (their sole job is not just to help me btw, they do have full-fledged roles)
Here’s the issue: two other people started at the same time as me, one on a 1 year contract and one on a 2 year contract like mine. Over time, I’ve noticed something that seems to only be happening to me, and I’m not sure why or how to address it/ if ive done something.
In both meetings and casual group conversations, people seem to forget I was there. I’d understand if I wasn’t contributing, but I do, I’d say I contribute well in meetings and take pride in my work. Yet later, someone will explain a meeting to me that I was in, including ideas that I originally suggested. The same thing happens socially: we’ll have a conversation, and then later someone will retell it to me as if I wasn’t part of it. I usually respond with, “yeah, I was there.”
I don’t think I’m particularly forgettable, I actually have quite a distinctive appearance.
I’ve been told before that I come across as “strange,” and there’s a general running joke that I’m the odd one out. I’m not sure if that’s contributing to this, or if there’s something else I could be doing differently. I would also say I am the only one that doesn’t have a “buddy” like I’m not in a work friend group or anything
I guess I’m trying to figure out whether there’s anything I can do to change this, or if I should just ride it out until my contract ends next year.