Everybody was really nice at first, but then they showed their true colors. Management had no viable plan for training me, colleagues were reluctant to help, and I was expected to be a pro after just a few weeks in a position that normally takes six to twelve months to master!
You are managed by people who have never done your job, so they have absolutely no understanding of what it’s like—and no sympathy. There is a HUGE learning curve, which is fine, but what is not fine is that nobody gives you any instructions or training curriculum. You are expected to soak up as much information as possible and magically learn everything on the first try. There is also EXTREME micromanagement. I had to report what I did every single hour in the job, as well as meet daily with my supervisor to discuss my “progress.” It is a very abusive environment, with people berating you if you make one silly mistake. It is very toxic, with colleagues spying on you and reporting everything you do wrong to your boss.
Regarding professional development, the company has no interest in helping you grow as a professional because they know they are only making you more competitive in the job market, and that is not in their interest. As far as pay and benefits, they generally don’t raise your pay and bonuses are mostly non-existent. They make you work overtime, but you only get regular pay for it, not time-and-a-half. Most importantly, I was told Xtreme’s contract with the Department of State is not getting renewed, and that they will drag all contractors back to the office for five days a week eventually.
In conclusion, you are working in a mentally sick, hostile environment where nobody cares about you as a person, but only about how much work you can crank out. You are not properly trained at all, and people explode at you for every tiny mistake. Working for Xtreme is not a healthy experience mentally, you are not supported by your team, and you have NO development and growth opportunities within the company. Show some respect for yourself and work elsewhere.
