Alright, so here is where DoorDash is failing in my opinion, in not executing on their promises. Maybe promises isn’t the right work, but essentially where there is a divergence of “theory” from “actuality”
- Middle-ish level management: You can have great perks and employee programs, but if you have one break in the chain of leadership that tarnishes these for everyone, life sucks.
- DoorDash is not Forever 21 or McDonalds’s: DoorDash offers unlimited vacation. Obviously, if you know anything about tax policy and the structure of financials, this benefits the company 1000x more than the employee. In this role, and elsewhere, you are required to “find a replacement” for you work if you want to take vacation. Essentially, you have to ask another full-time employee (who has a 100% workload) to “cover your work” while you take vacation. No one wants to ask that, come on. It builds a fear of taking vacation at the expense of putting another employee in an unfavorable (and overworked) scenario.
- Social justice (External vs internal): DoorDash is amazing at being on the forefront of social justice. I can’t believe it is 2020 and we have to have this conversation, but without action we are all complicit. DoorDash has externally promoted (and executed mostly on) social justice programs and supports the movement for equality. The same can’t be said in how they execute internally. You will often face the realization that the path they are taking isn’t the “moral” one, or one that is in the best interest of the public / partners, only the profit. I often have to swallow the feeling of “I get a paycheck” over knowing we are actively stealing from a segment of the market that needs us most.
- Goals, goals, goals: If you haven’t watched the Netflix series “Dirty Money” the Wells Fargo episode, go watch it. The same exists at DoorDash. Often times the strategy of a certain path is well define and with good intention / well suited regarding time, capabilities, and what fits our partners. In reality, the goal is the only thing that matters. Sell all products. Partner doesn’t want it / doesn’t fit their needs, that doesn’t matter and sell it anyway. This pressure is prevalent all across DoorDash. As long as you are okay with shoving products down partners throats at their expense only to hit a goal, you will fit in. If you have a conscience, it will be tough.
