Pros
Kind, understanding and empathetic colleagues. All trauma bonded.
Cons
During the interview process, the CEO presented himself as supportive and employee-focused; however, my experience immediately upon starting was markedly different. Interactions with the CEO were intense and highly confrontational and unprofessional. Communication frequently included him yelling, insulting, dismissing, and / or being condescending. I found the overall tone to be aggressive, intimidating, disrespectful and unprofessional. The environment was psychologically damaging. If you are considering an opportunity here, I strongly recommend reviewing healthcare and all benefits in detail before accepting / signing an offer letter. Out-of-pocket healthcare premiums for family coverage exceeded $3,000 per month, and annual deductibles were significant. The coverage felt limited relative to the cost. What initially appears to be a pay increase, may in fact result in a substantial reduction in take-home pay once healthcare benefit costs are factored in. The company formally observes 3 holidays. New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving Day as paid holidays; other holidays require use of PTO. Even during extended workweeks (often 50+ hours), time away for appointments still requires PTO. There is no reasonable accommodation offered for employees. I was not allowed to take a lunch break! Bonuses and other incentives may not always be predictable. It would be wise to clarify structure, timing, and eligibility criteria in writing before accepting an offer. Negotiating details upfront may also provide insight into what someone is signing up for, as well as expectations around transparency and flexibility.