uses of "was" and "have been"

[subhajit123]

I am writing a letter to my friend about a job that I have just left. I can't decide "have been" or "was", Which one I should choose in the following case.

Dear Ramesh, you and I have been friends and co workers for years. Due to bad behaviour of the company's manager, I have just left the job and sent him a resignation letter. You know that from the very beginning I was/have been associated with the company, and that's why it is very painful for me. Could you please find me a job? I wil be grateful to you.

I think I should use "was associated" because I have left the job but not sure.

 

[GoesStation]

This would be natural: You know that I was associated with the company from the very beginning.​ Because the association has ended, the present perfect isn't the best choice - but many native speakers would use it anyway because they still feel an attachment.