Q I like the company I work for but not the division I work in. My boss is an idiot, and my co-workers are like sheep, mindlessly following her every direction. I am losing brain cells daily, and company policy doesn’t allow for transfers from one department to another unless you’ve worked in your current department for a minimum of 12 months. I don’t think I can last another nine months. Help!

A Poor thing. Sounds like a baahhd situation. Listen, you might be able to survive without respecting your co-workers, and given how common it is to complain about the boss, millions survive without respecting their superior. But if you can’t commiserate with either about the other then you’ve got to get out.

As far as the transfer policy: Many policies are meant to be guidelines for handling day-to-day activities, and they often allow flexibility to accommodate special circumstances. I’d be surprised if your employer’s internal transfer policy was rigidly applied without exception. Don’t be sheepish about speaking to HR. Make a case that’s articulate and specific and you may find that they’re willing to accommodate you. And if not, you’ll feel better about having one leg out the door as you begin the process of applying for other positions.