Why I Thought Office Politics Didn’t Matter—Until It Did

You know, I used to believe that if I just worked hard, everything would fall into place. Turns out, the real game was happening in whispered conversations and coffee breaks I never got invited to. It wasn’t until I watched a less-experienced colleague get promoted over me that I realized: office politics isn’t just gossip, it’s survival. I thought staying out of it made me noble—apparently, it just made me invisible. Now, I pay attention to the unspoken rules and alliances. It’s funny how the things you ignore can shape your entire career. Ever felt like you’re playing checkers while everyone else is playing chess? 😅 #OfficePolitics #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceLessons #JobCareer