> At my last company, I think I likely developed a reputation as someone who preferred to isolate himself, someone who should be exempt from any established company processes
This may be, in part, caused by the dynamics of that one particular workplace. It does not have to mean that “you are that guy” from not on. You may want to engage more the next place because the people and the culture is different.
> I question how many of those people would really want to hire me at their new company
Whatever the impression you left is, this is not you. It’s a footprint of you interacting with particular individuals under a particular context. The real you is not constrained to repeat.
> having technical skills is great, but it's not the whole picture when it comes to being easily employable.
This may be, in part, caused by the dynamics of that one particular workplace. It does not have to mean that “you are that guy” from not on. You may want to engage more the next place because the people and the culture is different.
> I question how many of those people would really want to hire me at their new company
Whatever the impression you left is, this is not you. It’s a footprint of you interacting with particular individuals under a particular context. The real you is not constrained to repeat.
> having technical skills is great, but it's not the whole picture when it comes to being easily employable.
This is great advice.