Environment:
- The CEO conducted an unnecessarily antagonistic interview, making unprofessional remarks about my qualifications, emotional capacity, and prospects in cybersecurity. These comments continued for the duration of my time in the role.
- This abrasive attitude was also held by the team lead, and it carried on through training and 1-on-1 meetings.
- Daily meetings were unproductive and often silent, with fear, "jokes," and sarcasm discouraging participation. Mandatory camera use.
- Every employee was in constant fear of losing their jobs day-to-day due to the "disposable" view of employees.
- No motivation to go above and beyond, as it will not be appreciated.
- Mistakes are continually brought up weeks after an incident, bordering on harassment rather than education/prevention.
Pay/Benefits:
- Promotion to a more demanding role came with only a $1.45/hour raise, despite certifications and increased responsibilities.
- Promotions disrupt annual review cycle, so if you get promoted, your "year" starts over entirely for COL increases.
- Significantly below market rate.
- Truly awful health insurance model: ICHRA. Expensive for poor coverage and a hassle.
Organization:
- Onboarding and training was inadequate. There was minimal documentation, outdated videos, and a “drinking from a firehose” approach without real guidance or support.
- Communication across teams was inconsistent and often dysfunctional, with employees/departments bypassing proper escalation channels out of fear.
- I was ultimately let go with a vague explanation, without any clear examples or evidence. I was told clarification would be provided by email. When I requested clarification, I was told that no further explanation was required by law in my state.
Work-Life Balance:
- Work-life balance deteriorated significantly in the InfoSec role, with regular overtime, weekend, and holiday work expected. During my final ~2 months of employment, I consistently worked late, 6-day weeks, with no additional acknowledgment or appreciation.
