When I don't get invited to a project I should have been invited to because the person wants to keep me away so I don't outshine them like last time, instead pulling other resources in for the project - I just don't care. I just view it as one less project at work. One less project that could go sideways to be exact..risk. More free time to learn new skills and make myself more valuable rather than be in meeting after meeting after meeting with one clueless person after another.
When people are jockeying for position. I just don't care. I'm usually the one to get promoted internally anyway, but even if not, people who change jobs every 2 years (I do) make 50% more than those that don't anyway, and with the advent of the 401K and day one benefits with most tech companies, there is little draw back. With the free time from avoiding the above project/s, I use to gain new skills, certs and degrees that help me land the next job with a huge pay increase vs the paltry raises most companies give.
Is it just me or does anyone else care less and less about what goes on at the office because they found a way to make it work for them rather than against them. I mean, don't get me wrong, there is a twinge of dread when I don't get invited, but that is quickly replaced with feelings of freedom after I realize I just avoided a risky project and have all this free time to manage my finances! lol
The key thing I've noticed is focusing on skills and credentials along with changing jobs every 2 years, not to mention constantly interviewing and getting really good at interviewing, pays more dividends than politics. Don't get me wrong, I politic a bit still just because it is required to SOME extent. But once I have what I want (promotion), I can kick back and not let the above bother me while I focus on the next deal.