Pros
Given a chance at VIPRE, after a break from IT, purposely taking a low level role so I could focus on some family things. - Accommodating and very supportive with DEI right from interview onwards. - IT equipment was of good quality and suitable for my role (but I didn't need a docking station or a second monitor but neither was asked) - Interesting technology - Remote position - Big effort made to feel welcome on first day - Probably a very good role for younger people (but not so much business minded / experienced IT professionals). - On the face of things people are generally friendly.
Kontras
In the end I didn't feel this was the right role for me, I explained some personal circumstances at interview but came away thinking those weren't really listened too and as it turned out, the role ended up being high pressure and fast paced. The opposite of what I was expecting or looking for. Within 2 weeks I was told the role was going to turn into something else, in passing conversation. Not by people even in my management structure whom when I brought it up didn't know anything about it and didn't follow up. I also didn't like the way the outsourced first line team were treated, whilst it didn't directly affect me, it told me more about the organisation and the managers in and around them. "Work hard and play hard" is a pretty outdated mentality and so is micromanaging. I felt they in fact couldn't wait to try and introduce me to the some of the sales people and try and get some contact and introductions. To the point I was told they would try and setup a few meetings to do introductions with sales. Never mind asking me! Bit unethical, but they aren't the first company to do that. Just know it is divisive to new employees and just added to that lack of belonging feeling. Possibly desperation in light of the redundancies but could have done with having an open conversation about it to put a case forward for "why I might do such a thing", I didn't owe them anything than to work and I be paid. Overall, I wasn't getting a cohesive level of communication, different people interfering in what "I'm meant to be doing" day to day. So what I can say is - it's fairly obvious no one was communicating with another, it went from a friendly and genuine initial role to a lack of conversation or decision. Wish I had been more honest in my day 10 survey - Management don't see themselves as role models and other staff sometimes "step out of" what I would call being professional at times, it could again be divisive to some. - Was hired into a second line role on a first line salary (neigh on minimum wage). - VIPRE recently had a small redundancy round, creating worry around the organisation, was surprised to be hired. Happier out of it and my decision was based on less stress compared to pretty much any other low paying role out there, including customer service. A lot that can be done better.