I've been a market research intern for a tv station, are all office jobs filled with jerks-- people with no manners, and people who kiss ass to get ahead?

pretty much!

No, honestly…all jobs (and any other life situations) will have their fair share of people like those you’ve described. It’s all about how YOU handle those people/situations. Just keep in mind that if work were fun, we wouldn’t call it work! If you’re lucky enough to find work you love, give it everything you’ve got!

TV and film are worse than most. Power is what matters, and this is often demonstrated by treating the people below you like shit. (Except for some people near the top who are secure in their power.) Many people who work in television and film are “unlicked puppies”, which adds to their emotional idiocy. Lastly, people are generally tired due to the hours (in situations where people are working 10–14 hour days 6 or 7 days a week, which makes them cranky.

That being said, other office jobs have their power grabs, too, but the behavior isn’t usually as dramatic, just snipey.

If television is your path, though, find someone at the station who can be something of a mentor for you. Take some refuge in one on one time with them and ask for help getting some perspective. It’s possible that you can develop a thick enough skin to not be bothered by the behavior and even learn how to use that kind of behavior when it is an effective option. It’s is all just a game, you know, and those who know the rules best have a better chance of finishing in the money.

Work as a market research intern for a design firm. I can almost guarantee you that you’ll have a better time.

It may be more naked in TV, but it exists everywhere. Don’t give in to the pressure. Good people can get ahead, and they can live with themselves later.

Also, when you are young and hungry, it is sometimes hard to remember that the job is just a job, not your existence. Create a life outside of work to be really fulfilled.