[NumberCruncher]

Dale Carnegie wrote: ... even in such technical lines as engineering, about 15 percent of one's [...] success is due to one's technical knowledge and about 85 percent is due to skill in human engineering-to personality and the ability to lead people.

Even if you find a great job where you can focus on the "15%" there will always be other departments / managers / competitors, who doesn't play by your rules. You better get used to it and continue doing a good job & read the book "How to Win Friends & Influence People".

If I were you I would stay at least for one another year in my current position and quit first when I know how to handle politics.

[prettyrandom100]

Or I could start my own company and see how that goes ? I really don't buy into 85% people succeed due to sycophancy and even if they do I don't think I want to be one.

[NumberCruncher]

Of course you can start your own company. You could try like this:

1. sell your time: Work as an employee for a couple of years and get some real life experience. Yes, even in company politics. One could actually skip this stage, but hey, you are already doing it, so why not make the best of it? Build your network, get some trainings paid by your company, learn from your managers.

2. sell yourself: do freelancing

3. sell your product: start a company

4. help others building companies and selling their products: compete with Y Combinator

Good luck!