One time this happened...

I spend more time navigating office politics than actual work tasks these days, it feels like I'm stuck in some surreal, HR-manufactured purgatory where the sole purpose is to maintain appearances and not rock the tiny, stagnant boat that is our department. We're a team of moderately successful middle managers, stuck between micromanaging our employees and appeasing our bosses – the endless see-saw that is office life. Sometimes I fantasize about simply walking out the door, into the sunbeams that illuminate the perfectly manicured lawns across the street, just for a taste of the freedom to think clearly without being shackled to spreadsheets.