What is paid time off like at Emsisoft?

Pros

The fully remote aspect is always a plus, and there is the freedom to work around your own schedule - without having to request permission for time off (for appointments etc). The CEO is also really nice, he's firm but fair.

Cons

Some managers don't have any leadership skills. They mistake being "direct" for being extremely rude. They have no problem re-negotiating your contract to decrease your pay because you're "more junior" than anticipated, but won't offer you the guidance promised to help you succeed. And will still expect you to perform at that senior level. It's a decent enough product in an overly saturated market, so there's a lot of better known competition with more funding. They use micro-managing timekeeping software called Time Doctor that will record keystrokes/mouse movement, take screenshots every 10 or so minutes, record idle time and the programs/websites you use. Horribly invasive to your privacy and feels like Big Brother is watching your every move. You work as a contractor which means you don't actually get paid time off - your vacation days are unpaid, you don't actually get a scheduled lunch break. I found myself taking maybe 15 minutes for lunch, or else I'd be working till 6-7 if I wanted to hit my target of 40 hours weekly. They promise you that you will be treated like an employee despite being a contractor, and have your notice period of 1 month in your contract. But they won't actually let you work the full notice period and force you to drastically reduce your billable hours in your final month (I lost over a weeks pay, but my bills haven't been reduced - so I'm in a difficult financial position)

Advice to Management

Learn how to manage, I'm sure there are some nice books out there

Pros

The fully remote aspect is always a plus, and there is the freedom to work around your own schedule - without having to request permission for time off (for appointments etc). The CEO is also really nice, he's firm but fair.

Cons

Some managers don't have any leadership skills. They mistake being "direct" for being extremely rude. They have no problem re-negotiating your contract to decrease your pay because you're "more junior" than anticipated, but won't offer you the guidance promised to help you succeed. And will still expect you to perform at that senior level. It's a decent enough product in an overly saturated market, so there's a lot of better known competition with more funding. They use micro-managing timekeeping software called Time Doctor that will record keystrokes/mouse movement, take screenshots every 10 or so minutes, record idle time and the programs/websites you use. Horribly invasive to your privacy and feels like Big Brother is watching your every move. You work as a contractor which means you don't actually get paid time off - your vacation days are unpaid, you don't actually get a scheduled lunch break. I found myself taking maybe 15 minutes for lunch, or else I'd be working till 6-7 if I wanted to hit my target of 40 hours weekly. They promise you that you will be treated like an employee despite being a contractor, and have your notice period of 1 month in your contract. But they won't actually let you work the full notice period and force you to drastically reduce your billable hours in your final month (I lost over a weeks pay, but my bills haven't been reduced - so I'm in a difficult financial position)

Advice to Management

Learn how to manage, I'm sure there are some nice books out there