Pros
The product - small, sustainable group travel - is absolutely amazing. The vision of the two founders to change the world by connecting travellers with the country and people they visit is wonderful and easy to really believe in which makes it even easier to market and sell the product. Especially when you start out, there's a feeling of making a real difference to the world (and the world of travel). It would be such a fantastic company to work for if it wasn't for the management in the UK office. * The product - what's there not to love about truly sustainable travel? * The vision of the two founders is beautiful and they are genuinely amazing people (come into the office from time to time and are just so friendly) * You get a free trip every year, easily one of the best things about working in travel. * The intrepid foundation that supports initiatives all over the world (even though I believe pushing your own employees to donate when they already earn little to none is a bit controversial) * The idea of working for a BCorp. I'm saying idea here on purpose, as it doesn't quite do what it says on the tin.
Kontras
* The management in the UK office. It very much is a boys club at the top. This not only affects promotion of men only, it also means that it's not the best (men) being promoted but the ones that are friends of the boys at the top. * Some more words on the management in the UK (can't really speak for the other offices). Managers, as per the above it's men in all senior positions, are inexperienced and love micromanagement. I believe this is strongly related to their inexperience and insecurity but quickly leads to team members feeling unmotivated as their every step is being watched. * Overtime is expected of you. If you leave 5:30pm sharp, management doesn't think you're committed. * Clock watching is a thing. Even though you work at least 45 minutes longer every day and are expected to get up early or stay up late for international calls, if you dare to come 5 minute late, you'll be pulled aside for "a quick chat". So much to flexible work hours... * Opportunities in the UK office are limited and there is hardly any movement across geos (unless you're a senior manager). * The salary is low. Even for the travel industry, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Senior management is quick to point out that your perks are amazing (and don't get me wrong, a free trip is great but doesn't help you when you can't afford the flights to get there, while the rest of the perks are pretty much below average) and the grass isn't greener on the other side. But it is. The main competitor pays a whole lot more and seems to have a better culture on top of that.
