Having fallen ass-backwards into a couple of promotions to positions responsible for managing (very) small groups, I don't consider it worthwhile - and that's w

Having fallen ass-backwards into a couple of promotions to positions responsible for managing (very) small groups, I don't consider it worthwhile - and that's without having to sell my soul by engaging in office politics. One interpretation is as per the title "play the game or be the victim", my interpretation is "the only way to win is not to play". Office politics only escalates the higher you get. As completely as I can commit to anything, I believe that any time spent on office politics is time better spent on almost anything else. Those who seek money, power, and influence may disagree to their hearts content, but I've experienced enough, personally and vicariously, to know that their opinions are from a universe I do not, and can not happily, inhabit. The caveat to the above is that I'm in a position where I can provide for my family without feeling like I vitally need to sacrific any amount of who I am in order to give them "more". All needs and probably more than enough wants are met. Maintain the balance...