Tenure and Talent Mean Nothing, Layoffs Continue
Pros
The people -- as in your day-to-day colleagues and most immediate direct supervisors. The challenges and problems to solve was a great exercise of the mind, skills, and experience. Projects varied greatly. Working remotely, and unlimited PTO -- though the latter can be selective.
Cons
We recently went through an acquisition, which ultimately turned into downsizing and layoffs. Though we were reassured several times that this would not have a negative impact. I warn anyone coming to this company, that they are not different from many -- that you can be expendable in a moment's notice. Laid off with a pretty large group. And no matter if you worked 1 year or 10, we were slapped with health insurance ending in 1 day. And 1 paycheck to send you on your way. The determination of this was very shady (and I have reason to believe discrimination and unfairness played a factor), there was no warning, only a million red flags that were overshadowed by a constant need to have a facade of 'everything is fine and these changes don't impact anyone or anything.' Which happened to be very much lies. If there was that much trouble in the business, it was never very clear until it was too late. Ignorance is not bliss when it's your livelihood. There were a ton of reassurances that being a part of this company was a good thing, and I used to rally around it and referred many people to work here as well. Then one day it all came crashing down, and our US CEO has even stepped down. All of this right before the holidays come around, and in a Q4 time where not many businesses are trying to hire people. I've never been so sickened before on how this played out, what steps were taken (or not), and how insulting it was to get a 10 min call, and then completely removed from all systems right after, and sent away with a final 1 pay-period paycheck. No matter your tenure or what you were doing, as your work was put on other people immediately. We have homes, mortgages, families, bills, some of us are primary income-bringers. Not even an ounce of respect to allow us time to ensure our ease into the job market, trying to figure out how to now not lose those things, and it was a huge slap in the face. I would've welcomed open conversations around reductions of salary, part-time work, taking on more roles, strategic ways to lean the business over a course of time. But, taking away your livelihood in 10 minutes was the route taken. So it must have been even worse than what was ever conveyed (or rather not), to us. This could be the start of something worse, as is the case with most acquisitions and downsizing. Heed this warning and I'd say steer clear from FFW and Jakala. Not a place for a career path for talent and opportunities. You're just another resource.