For an company that prides themselves on Culture, not to mention how heavily involved in Human Resources they are, I’m surprised at how much they are able to get away with on a day to day basis without HR Complaints being filed. Actually….. I can. You see, they have a hold on you that you are 100% aware of but somehow have no control over (unless you quit). It’s kind of like watching an episode of Leah Remini’s: Scientology and the Aftermath. Everyone knows they can’t speak out about the organization or its leaders (sound familiar show fans?) without severe repercussions. You will see Paycom comment on how I’m either “Obviously not a good fit for their organization” or how “Sorry they are I had this experience”. Guys, this is not a bad experience of AN employee. This is a cult. I know what it’s like to not know who you can talk to or who you can trust. I literally spent every day there worried I would lose my job for something I didn’t even have control over, but had to act like I was completely happy and comfortable. You know what also happens when you are REQUIRED to act like you are happy and comfortable? HR violations…. That’s right, inappropriate everything but you can’t say a word because (you guessed it) HR is in on it too and you can be sure they will tell your direct supervisor that you were the one that made that anonymous complaint. Here are a few reason why you should not join the Paycom Cult:
1. You will be required to work all hours of the day and through the weekend. When I say work, I don’t necessarily mean you have to be on your computer or dealing with clients. But if your manager (or literally anyone of their status or higher) texts you a funny meme – you better be sure you respond and participant in the conversation that ensues. Otherwise, you’re out. And by “out” I mean the only way to the top is by cultivating fake friendships that are built on a conditional foundation.
2. You will literally hate your life. Because, remember, there is no separation between work life and home life – Paycom is your family now.
3. For real thought, they will require you to meet an impossible quota. But wait there’s more! If you do meet your quota they will be sure to move it back to unattainable status real quick….. and then chastise you for not hitting your new WEEKLY quota.
4. If you are 5 minutes late (I literally mean 5 minutes. Not 10, not 20, not an hour – 5 freaking minutes) you will be harshly reprimanded and possibly written up. Guys, I can’t eye roll hard enough over this. Don’t believe me – take a look at the cameras that are in the office if you go in for an interview.
5. Be prepared to go back to high school mentality. Do you remember what it was like during a high school Assembly? You know, the one where everyone was in the cafeteria to listen to the principal speak and monitors walked up and down each row to make sure you weren’t taking to your friend or on your phone….. Welcome to your weekly Sales call. I have children and had to ASK PERMISSION to answer my spouse’s call to tell me my son was sick. This wasn’t a one-time occasion either. I was not allowed to be on my phone during these calls or during the work day.
6. They treated me horrible while I was pregnant. I’m not talking about your run of the mill “it’s hard to be working while pregnant” treatment. I’m talking suable offenses to the point my family was encouraging me to sue the entire company after my kid was born. I didn’t, and I wish I had just on principle.
7. And last, but not least, you are lied to CONSTANTLY. I was bold faced lied to about the position I was hired into and then made to believe I “misunderstood” my role upon initial hire (like 2 years later). I mean, I was there – I watched the progression of the role change over the 2 years and then sat on a conference call perplexed as to why the head of the department was announcing to the entire organization that we were all under the same misunderstanding and needed to be set straight.
And for those of you still on the inside looking for a way out – set the Koolaid down and just walk out. You WILL find another job, and some peace and happiness. As much as they try to make you believe it, Paycom is not your life.