My experience at Upgrade-now was overwhelmingly negative, primarily due to the leadership of a CEO who demonstrated a clear lack of regard for his employees. From the outset, there was a palpable sense that individual contributions were meaningless, as the CEO operated under the dismissive mentality that anyone could be easily replaced.
This disregard manifested most starkly in the company's handling of compensation. While my first five months seemed promising, the situation quickly deteriorated. In January 2025, I successfully closed two deals, bringing in $27,000 in cash for the company. Despite promising a bonus or commission on this substantial achievement, the CEO failed to deliver and subsequently ignored my repeated inquiries about the payment. This pattern of broken promises continued into the following month when my regular salary went unpaid entirely.
Sadly, my experience is not an isolated incident. I am aware of multiple former colleagues, including a close friend, who have also been left without their rightfully earned wages. It's appalling to learn that the CEO reportedly owes over $20,000 to past employees who were never compensated for their work.
For anyone considering employment at Upgrade-now with the hope of earning a decent income, I would strongly advise against it. Even if you manage to close deals, the maximum you can realistically expect to earn is around $2,000 – and that's a best-case scenario assuming you actually get paid.
Beyond the financial issues, the work environment was characterized by excessive micromanagement and a level of mental exhaustion I can only describe as "brainfucking." Furthermore, the CEO's attempts to cultivate a positive atmosphere felt disingenuous. While he aimed to "build bonds" with employees, this often translated into expecting them to cover their own expenses during supposed team outings, revealing a deep-seated cheapness.
Ultimately, my time at Upgrade-now was marked by dishonesty and a clear indication that the CEO's primary concern was his own well-being, with little to no regard for the financial or professional well-being of his staff. Based on my experience and the experiences of others, I cannot recommend working for Upgrade-now. Potential employees should proceed with extreme caution.