Yes the vibe thing is always there.
Ohh yes, I was mentally so relieved to leave that team because it was always playing on my mind and then I would keep feeling inferior. This was some years back and my understanding was not as much as today, so I was in a different situation. Now I am my own boss :-)
It does make a lot of difference when you work independently and when you work for someone. Thank God I am out of that culture completely. Though sometimes the clients I work with do give me a tough time, but them the dignity always remains, which is very important for one's self esteem.