My experience - Anonymous employee OCT Consulting Employee Review

Updated Review — June 2024 Terminated After 7 Days — Proceed With Caution Following a year of unemployment and a month-long interview process, I was genuinely excited to join OCT Consulting as a recruiter. The position was presented as remote, with optional use of a shared office space. No mandatory in-office schedule was discussed, and I was told corporate staff works remotely. Three days after accepting the offer, I was involved in a serious car accident. My vehicle requires more than 60 days of repairs, and no rental coverage was provided. I disclosed this to my manager immediately — at the time, there were no concerns raised. My company laptop had not arrived by the end of my first week, so I had been working from my personal computer without incident. On Friday at 6 PM, I was asked to come into the office Monday to pick it up. I explained that without a vehicle, the round trip would cost approximately $300 via rideshare — a cost I simply could not absorb after a year without income. I explored every alternative. On Sunday, I emailed my manager to let her know the laptop had arrived and to formally request continued remote work. I was transparent about my circumstances and made clear that my inability to come in was financial, not motivational. Monday morning, as I prepared to join our 9 AM standing meeting, I saw my manager’s reply — copied to the CEO — stating: “Employees must come into the office when requested. Please find a way.” I attended two of our three standing meetings before a 15-minute meeting was added to my calendar. In that meeting, I was informed the CEO had decided to terminate my employment due to my failure to report to the office that day. When I explained that this was a matter of financial hardship — not unwillingness — I was told the CEO suggested taking the metro or bus. That commute would have exceeded two hours and required a half-mile walk. There was no further discussion. A few additional observations worth noting: • My position was reposted as hybrid within days of my termination • The recruiter before me was laid off two days before I started, after five months in the role • Corporate staff participates in three standing all-hands recruiting meetings daily — I was told this was because the CEO did not trust that remote employees were actually working I bear no ill will, but I do believe candidates deserve transparency. If you are considering a role here, ask direct questions about in-office expectations, leadership’s approach to unforeseen personal circumstances, and employee tenure. Read the Glassdoor reviews carefully. Apply with full awareness.