Is it wrong to pretend to be friends with someone to work your way up the ladder??
I started at the very bottom of my industry and have worked hard over the years to work my way up. I'm currently manager level with the potential to gain a senior position. However, to gain that position I need to be nice to someone who I have grown to dislike.
This person has clawed her way to the top spot, by shitting on others. She started off as a good friend and we developed a friendship outside of work. But the more she climbed the more of a bitch she become. The outside friendship has dwindled but she still relies on me a lot inside of work. She trusts me, she confides in me with things she really shouldn't. I've seen such a nasty selfish side to her, she just isn't the kind of person I want to be friends with but I've continued to be her friend.. I've watched her befriend people, gain their trust then push them under the bus to get on top.
I have no doubt that she would screw me over to save her own skin but I'm actually in a pretty safe position as I know many many things I shouldn't and if I was that kind of person I could shove her off her perch quite easily, I never would though.. it's just not who I am.
I'm becoming so tired of her, she will ask my opinion and they argue with me if she doesn't like it, I never suck up to her, I tell her what I think and I tell her if she's wrong. But I'm not confrontational.. I just zone out and let her rant when I've annoyed her with a differing opinion.
I have no intention of remaining within that company, but the promotions on offer would give me valuable experience and open lots of doors for me. Some days I think I'll just leave, I could easily find another job. But others I think I should continue to play the game and go for the promotions but I'd have to continue to be 'friends' with her because if I upset her then she'd make my life very difficult.
What would you do..