Why the present tense and not the compound tense?

Question

For "And I've worked in the same town...", I put "J'ai travaillé dans the la même ville..." but the correct answer is given as "Et je travaille dans la même ville...".Why is the present conjugation of travailler used instead of the compound tense?

Accepted Answer

Alex, the first link below is to the lesson to review on this topic.
As Jim notes, French and English tenses are different and do not necessarily align.
 https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/how-you-use-depuis-since-for-with-le-present-and-not-le-passe-compose-prepositions-of-time 
For completeness, the lesson on use in the negative, when passé composé is indicated.
https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/when-to-use-either-le-passe-compose-or-le-present-in-negative-sentences-with-depuis

Answer

Bonjour Alex,I agree that the translation from English will lead you to expect "I have worked ..." but this is not a completed past action (passé composé). The doctor is currently employed and continuing to carry out the tasks required in his daily routine. This is why I see "Et je travaille dans la même ville .." as being appropriate.Hope this helps.Bonne continuation.Jim