I don’t know when work turned into everyone trying to prove they’re the last one who should be cut, but that’s what it feels like now. People chase approval, grab credit, and act friendly until there’s a chance to make someone else look bad. It’s draining.
The worst part is that this isn't accidental. When leadership rewards this kind of behavior, people learn fast. I'm relatively new in my career but if this is how it's always going to be, well fu-k.