Note: Keep in mind that there are many different products, and my review does not always reflect the entire NordSecurity. I worked for NordLocker.
• Many people try to be nice at all costs, so it's hard to know when they're being honest. They could be hiding things just to spare your feelings. An example: I asked for feedback early and often. During my first 4 months, all I got – from my manager and other team members – was praise: "we're happy to have you", "your opinion is welcome", etc. Nothing actionable, but still good, I thought. Fast forward a month. A routine anonymous feedback uncovered a few small things I didn't know. Things I intentionally asked about. It's really hard to get honest feedback. If you care about career growth or personal development this is not a good place. ASK FOR ANONYMOUS FEEDBACK.
• I personally encountered a surprising degree of backstabbing, talking behind other people's backs, and covering for each other – at the Heads level of all places. So, yes, power games are played. BEWARE OF FAKE FRIENDS.
• Unethical behavior is sometimes celebrated (if it's good for business). Some people have done (and promoted) things for the sake of the company that I wouldn't feel comfortable doing. The most prominent example came from a Head executive. KEEP YOUR VALUES.
• There is a pervasive "Hustle culture" that wasn't there when I joined. Things – like culture, work-life balance, team structure, and remote work – can change very quickly. WATCH THE TIDE.
• Some of the HR Partners don't really care about people. Their caring extends only to things you can throw money at: "a Headspace subscription", "an Urban Sports membership", and so on. But nothing that requires them to reach out and actually do their job. Other people in the company do care, fortunately. Find them, otherwise... YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN.
• The company went from All-Lithuanian to dozens of nationalities "overnight". They exploded (in a good way). This sudden growth brought its own problems in the (international) Berlin office because Lithuania works in a completely different way. The company is transitioning to a more international and open culture but there's still a long way to go. The people making cultural decisions are still all from Vilnius, so this is won't change until more people from abroad reach decision-making places.
• Asking questions is frowned upon, and some people could take it badly – like thinking that you're challenging them because you're asking more details about a proposal, when you're just trying to learn or clarify something. I say this, not only from my experience but also from other people I've talked to over time. I guess this is what other reviewers refer to as "Soviet mentality", although I don't like that term – coming from a "soviet country" myself. I don't think it's because of the cultural differences, but it's widespread enough to wonder. Imagine having to think twice before speaking, and being misunderstood without a chance to clarify or follow up. That's not the environment I like to work in. Zero psychological safety. Zero learning possible from personal interactions. WATCH YOUR WORDS.
• "Cargo cult" thinking in some teams, often copying each other without critical analysis.
• You don't get vacation days upfront, they're accrued monthly which makes it harder to calculate and plan your vacations for the year. Also, you can't go too much in the negative (more than a few days, unless you have a good reason) so that's a downside if you want to take longer vacations.
• No equity-sharing program.
• Fixed salary, no bonus payments.
