Q: I work at a nationally known company with a solid reputation in a professional field. One would think such a company would have a professionally run human resource department, but it doesn't. It must have started out with professionals in place. How else could the company have grown into what it is today with more than 7,000 employees? But that is no longer the case.

Unfortunately, our location is different. We are affected by some women in management positions who are clannish, jealous, vindictive and everything but professional. They somehow formed their own secret but influential clique that spreads to their favorites in other departments. God help those who are not in the clique, and the only way to join their group is to join in their games and bow down to them.

I refused to do this from the beginning and this angered them. The result was subtle, random abuses, including being the victim of gossip and criticism throughout each day, despite the fact that I do a great job on everything. That, they cannot argue. There's no way I can persuade them that I am not a threat to any one of them in power, because they think, feel and act collectively. Our department alone has experienced serious turnover in a short time. I don't know about other departments. What can I do? Moving to another location would get me out of their clutches, but moving is an extreme solution and I like where I live. Is quitting my only option?

A: Moving to a new location, state or city, is a major change in one's life; the only reason for making such a change is that you like a different location far more than your present one, or to transfer to a higher position that offers more and greater benefits. Neither option seems feasible in your situation.

New jobs can sometimes take six months to a year to find, but this is your best solution to your misery. Conducting a discreet search is important since these women will likely turn your work life into a deeper hell if they find out before you're ready to give your termination notice. Don't be surprised if they throw all sorts of obstacles in your way because they feel threatened by your trying to escape their control.

You aren't going to like the initial step in resolution, but play their games while employed there. It will help make your days smoother and knowing you are job hunting will make your time there more tolerable. Let them think they've won you to their side, as you don't want any obstacles when you leave, especially recommendations. Don't engage in anything you deem unethical, but also don't challenge them. Remaining passive in itself may be a challenge, but it's your path to a happier life for your remaining time there.

After you are settled in and secure in your new job (this is key), and you are still feeling like the activist and altruist you sound like, write a letter to the vice president of HR detailing your full experience as an employee there and suggesting an audit of the HR's actions and the extreme turnover in certain departments. You have then done your job to help others who will, no doubt, bear the brunt of this manipulative clique.

Email all questions to [email protected]. For more about her, visit www.lindseyparkernovak.com or follow her on Twitter @TheLindseyNovak and Facebook at Lindsey.Novak.12. For past columns, visit Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.