Pros
Great First Year: In my first year, the management structure was solid. We had both a tech lead and an engineering manager, and despite some hiccups in project decisions, their roles were well-defined. Good Learning Opportunities: The team dynamic and workflow during the first year provided me with ample opportunities to improve my technical skills and collaborate with a solid team.
Cons
Leadership Decline: Things took a sharp downturn in my second year. After the engineering manager resigned, the tech lead was promoted, and that shift completely disrupted the team’s efficiency and communication. Lack of Feedback & Support: There was no consistent 1-on-1 performance review throughout my time, especially after the management change. I had no clear idea of where I stood in terms of performance, which made the layoff even more unexpected. Unexplained Layoff: I was laid off without any prior indication or performance review. There was no clear communication about why I was chosen, and I didn’t even receive the yearly bonus tied to performance reviews.