I had similar experience at VMware where my boss just didn't care enough about me. He never assigned me to any good projects, and prevented me from seeking opportunities in other teams, even if was a simple trial for a few months. Further, he was surrounded by his buddies from his previous work place and I always got the feeling that one needed to be in his clique to get any attention. Whenever I approached him for a different assignment he lectured me on how technology was just about sending data from point A to point B in the most efficient manner and he insisted that I focus on my current assignment.
As time progressed, I noticed that engineers who hung out with him often and discussed interesting topics such as good school districts, real estate, investments, sales at frys electronics etc. were rewarded not just with better work but also promotions, some of them undeservedly. When I finally decided to quit there was not even a "thank you" from him or his minions for my hard work. There were several disgruntled employees in my org who never kissed his bottom and they were all treated with similar nonchalance.
As time progressed, I noticed that engineers who hung out with him often and discussed interesting topics such as good school districts, real estate, investments, sales at frys electronics etc. were rewarded not just with better work but also promotions, some of them undeservedly. When I finally decided to quit there was not even a "thank you" from him or his minions for my hard work. There were several disgruntled employees in my org who never kissed his bottom and they were all treated with similar nonchalance.