“How to survive in bigtech where people who do cheap office politics win yet someone like me who just want to do job and leave at 5 pm struggle to fit in and find those people disgusting”

Another soul answered...

I also found them disgusting. The job is meant to be exactly this. Mercenaroes come and go. "Leaders" stay. I find meaning in the extra work exactly because I get protect a craft or a system integrity. A lot of translation is needed. Sure. But it feels good. And yet, remember to quit before burnout. Those dont help.

Another soul answered...

You have to play the game as you find it. If the vibe and scene is foul then recognise at least this: it's a good paying job. But if you know your patience is limited for this, then factor that into your long-term trajectory. Make sure you're saving up the money you make. Develop a plan for a better alternative. As for right now though, a lot of these people operate as Machiavellians only semi-consciously because it comes so natural to them. So you can at least limit their harm to your career by very consciously out-strategising them. Identify their fears, their desires - what is it they want? Do this for others. Anticipate their moves and think of the best actions you should undertake. I know this offends your sensibilities, but when in Rome you do as the Romans do. It's sink or swim. Lots of people would like your job, your lifestyle. This doesn't have to be forever, but dedicate some of the resources you're accumulating now for a change in career or job later. But right now? You must play the game. Just do so consciously. Do your part. Survive. Hold your nose and Machiavelli your stay there.