Pros
The best thing about working with VIPKID at the Beijing head office is the people. Every employee, from the interns to Cindy, is passionate and dedicated to their job and willing to share their knowledge and expertise. My coworkers in Teaching Management are the most creative, hardworking, smartest, funniest people I've ever worked with. Every project necessarily involves multiple departments, and I've never encountered resistance to getting inter-departmental assistance. Bureaucracy is extremely limited, as there's an understanding that one department's success is everyone's success. Work is fast paced and constantly changing, and often slightly chaotic. I personally LOVE this atmosphere, but it's not for everyone. The work culture is relaxed, though. We're able to work from home when necessary, or come in at times that are convenient. Management trusts its employees. The office itself is in a beautiful location right next to the clock and drum towers. The facilities are comfortable, workspaces are open, and there are always meeting spaces available. We have industrial air purifiers in all offices. HR was quick and straightforward in taking care of my work permit. Pay has never been late.
Cons
Maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge. 50-60 hours per week is average, more isn't unusual. I avoid bringing work home most nights, but because most of our teachers work during Beijing night hours, there are often emergencies that need to be dealt with when I'd rather be curled up on the couch. I usually work from 10:00-20:00. Other departments often try to rope foreign staff into doing promotional activities or other tasks that aren't necessarily in our job descriptions, which can be annoying. Thankfully they almost always allow us to take extra time off if we participate.
