> In Tom’s case, if he were to take the project, he should negotiate...

Negotiate? What does Tom have to negotiate with?

As an employee, if he's assigned a task it's his job to do it. He could certainly ask for resources but the term "negotiate" seems to imply he has some choice in the matter. Like he could decide to refuse to take on the project.

This is the reality I find myself in. Now I've just decided to care about the job only as much as management does. If they don't care about certain issues; why should I? They've shown me time and time again that doing a good job or doing a mediocre job is all the same to them.

I've decided to focus my energies in other parts of my life and I feel less depressed about my job now.