There is another way. Push back. Decline meeting invites along with a note “Thanks for the invite but I don’t think I’m needed at this one am I?” 90% of the time people don’t even read your decline reason. Or just leave yourself tentative till the last minute unless you really believe you need to be there.

Far too many devs seem to think you can’t decline meetings and yet spend their time descoping development work because we’re too busy… When it comes to annual reviews / your next contracting gig, the guy / gal who got the work done is the door who’s door is knocked on.

The character is just an amazingly good hacker. They operate at speeds us mere mortals can’t comprehend /s

I’m in the exact same position as you and take the same approach. It’s a hill I’m getting a mildly stubbed toe on.