I get around it by being a listener and being sympathetic without really stating a strong opinion. Doesn't always work, especially in a really clique-y environment, but in general I just try to be friendly to everyone and not say much. I'm okay not being part of a clique.

I have worked most of my career as a technical specialist. Whether I'm primarily a programmer, a systems specialist, or a service tech, I'm Support. I'm an introvert who can play the extrovert for short periods of time; this means that I don't need to feel like I'm part of a "circle", or concern myself with others' personal feelings, it's the process that's important to me. I behave professionally, and may make a friend or two at work, but it's not a priority. Because my work is solving problems and helping people work smarter, people are usually happy to see me show up - and I'm happy to help people calm down in a crisis, and figure out how to work through it.

Goes on a lot! Most jobs are like middle school! If you are lucky a supervisor will recognize the good work you do and insulate you from your peers resentment, which can make your job miserable and chances for promotion zero. You just have to fake being polite, compliment their ties, ask about their dog, and ask how their weekend was. Complain about the weather and scoot back to work. Try not to take sides, stay neutral.

Lots of workplaces have a dog eat dog cut throat atmosphere. Do your work. Try hard to ignore the gossip and slander. If possible, find a healthier work environment. There are some decent jobs. Hope for the best.

Just an fyi, I worked in a military environment for a long time, dog eat dog survival of the most charismatic, shit you not. No option to go it alone or be self employed. I would like to here form people that actually deal with others. I guess it comes down to the boss or the leader, its been a crap shoot for me. My ethic was to bust my ass and the proof is in the work, a good leader will see that but you would be surprised how many would prefer the lip service.

I rarely go into the office so I don’t have to deal with them in person that much.

Why do you think like that I just Go to work and do my job There might be people that feel threatened because I work harder than they do and I'm not in on the gosip they'll get over it in time.

Never had that problem, picked a profession where I could work alone no matter the employer.