Pros
If you consider a free meal is a perk then yes…
Cons
During the period of rapid growth, I encountered instances of gaslighting and toxicity. As someone with many years of work experience prior to joining the company, it was challenging to match the level of excitement and happiness displayed by new graduates who enjoyed perks like free meals… However, what mattered most to me was the product, career path and culture. The product goals were often vague, with the CEO only prefers visually impressive presentations over analytical data or research insights. The product scope could be abruptly altered by executive orders. The innovation process lacked creativity, and individuals were often confined to silos, leading to blame for things beyond their control due to a centralized structure. Although executives sat nearby, the management structure was not as flat as it appeared, leading to disillusionment. In terms of career growth, I observed individuals with limited working experience and inadequate skills placed in management roles. I even witnessed comical examples of a previous product director creating propaganda slides eulogizing the CEO's creativity by placing her alongside legendary figures. (Steve Jobs, Socrates…) Unfortunately, licking boots seemed to be a requirement for a promotion. The company culture was toxic, with gaslighting and confidence destruction being the norm if one disagreed with the majority or leadership. I still suffer from PTSD after one year I quit. The performance review process was frustrating and intransparent, based solely on subjective opinions rather than objective facts. If you are considering joining a company, it's important to do your research about the team you will be joining, and your day-to-day responsibilities. Additionally, it's important to consider whether you are willing to compromise your mental health for a job that pays well. If you are already working for a company that runs like a cult, it can be challenging to offer advice for improvement. However, it may be helpful to speak with someone in HR or a trusted supervisor to voice your concerns and see if there are any steps that can be taken to improve the situation. In any case, it's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being over financial gain. If a job is causing significant stress or negatively impacting your mental health, it may be time to consider finding a new opportunity that is more aligned with your values and needs.