[_jal]

I have avoided LargeCos for precisely this reason. Worked in one a long time ago and witnessed the same thing - this is hardly unique to Google.

Once companies significantly outgrow the Dunbar-number range[1], political processes are the only way to manage things, and it infects everything.

For me, my quality of life is worth the tradeoff[2], and I turn down headhunters from them AmaGoPleBook seemingly constantly. If you want to pursue your actual work, as opposed to refining your skill at signaling games, move to a smaller shop.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar's_number

[2] Another reason to keep debt low and personal commitments fluid - turning down a six figure raise because it would make life hell gets harder with both.