I was hired 2 years ago to replace someone who was retiring after 10+ years with the company. I was up to speed quickly and have improved my processes and product in ways appreciated by many others, but mine is a position everyone is glad to have and glad they aren't doing it! I feel rather inconsequential, especially since being neglected by management has become a comfort in that I've already turned my attention to opportunities outside the company and look forward to "putting in my time" without taking on new responsibilities until I can score a job in programming/development/product management.