Like all software developers, I like to think of myself as being irreplaceable. Clearly no-one on the entire planet combines my depth of technical knowledge, my amazing familiarly with the business domain and my legendary humility. I am truly a unique gift to any and all employers.

So I was particularly disappointed this week when I was replaced my this play-mobile figure at the family dinner table . I was out that evening so the daughter placed this unkempt looking plastic figure in my chair . She felt it was an adequate or even superior replacement. It’s uncertain whether my wife noticed the difference. Certainly the level of conversation was improved that evening.

So not as irreplaceable as I thought. I once replaced a colleague with a blow up sheep and sent him the photo. I thought it was very funny at the time – I realise now that it wasn’t as funny as I thought. I really hope my employer doesn’t realise how easily I can be replaced by a cheap child’s toy.