Pros
I gained hands-on experience with real-time projects involving microservices and both frontend and backend technologies. The tech team-especially at the junior to mid level - was supportive and collaborative. Flexible work-from-home policies (though team-dependent) also helped maintain a reasonable work-life balance.
Cons
The work culture at higher levels can be quite toxic. Office politics are common, and it often feels like those who are better at managing perceptions not necessarily performance end up driving key conversations. While some teammates are genuinely supportive, the overall vibe makes it tough to collaborate freely.
Management often claims to be transparent and organized, but that’s far from reality. It feels more like a cover-up than actual effort—communication is selective, and important decisions are often made behind closed doors.
Appreciation is another big gap. Whether you put in extra effort or just do your job well, don't expect any recognition. Silence is the default response. Conflict resolution is also weak, issues rarely get addressed directly, and favoritism or passive-aggressive behavior tends to shape outcomes instead.
All of this makes the job feel emotionally draining. You can do good work but still feel invisible. Growth is slow, and motivation fades over time.