Exactly. It's interesting, though, it wasn't like this when I started. The people in the department seemed more mature and focused on doing their work rather than participating in popularity contests.

The only other person in the department (apart from my boss) who has been here for over a year, who is also the only person in the department I actually like, says that in the office it feels like junior high all over again. I am a bit removed from that since I work from home, but since I am not in the boss' favorites club it still affects me.