Unsustainable - Anonymous employee Sotheby's Employee Review

2.0
Nov 16, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Coworkers were lovely, funny, hardworking people who I hope to keep in my network for years to come.

Cons

After nearly a decade in the art world, I did not feel valued by Sotheby's, or appropriately compensated, for my institutional knowledge, experience, positive peer reviews, or income driving initiatives. I fought hard to stay and advocate for my worth, but was told they could not "justify" paying more than what was allocated for my position's salary band - a salary band which is completely unsustainable for basic life necessities. I see brilliant and valuable colleagues in the same boat and I know Sotheby's is destined to lose them too, since cheap labor is prioritized over retention of talent. On top of everything, I was $exually hara$$ed at a work event, and when I brought this to HR, no action was taken. I would call my ultimate decision to exit the company a "death by a thousand cuts" and I don't wish that on anyone.

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5.0
May 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Great team and intern class

Cons

Really only pay and no others

3.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

You get to understand the various sub art markets and which auction houses are able to better sell an artist or style.

Cons

Not enough pay. It's miniscule.

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