One of the best places to work in Hong Kong - Software Developer itarle Employee Review

The company is severely understaffed (you’ll even be instructed to avoid mentioning total headcount to clients). It’s a great opportunity to fight for your life trying to save a sinking ship—with absolutely no upside.

- All 5 star reviews on glassdoor were submitted by current employees following a request made by the CEO over email after finding out it is not possible to have the genuine reviews removed. - Dozens of employees have been laid off for no valid reason and in a nasty way. I strongly recommend reaching out to ANY past employee before accepting an offer or even applying. Turnover was over 100% in a single year. Expect empty threats from incompetent lawyers when leaving. - Toxic environment created by management. The passive aggressive tone of the review responses on glassdoor should give you a nice taster. - The “free Friday lunches” that keep getting mentioned appear to be Itarle’s main selling point. These were cancelled company wide after a software bug from the 20 year old code base caused a large loss. - A junior employee was let go for taking 2 sick days. - 0 vision for the company, 0 investment and frequent nonsensical strategic decisions. - This list could go on forever.

You will gain insight into an interesting industry. CEO aside, the staff are good people. You may be given a lot of responsibility very early on (but no support)

If you value your self worth, this is not the place for you. The funding of a start up, that treats its staff like the nameless employees of a huge firm. It lacks the small team ethos, and the big firm perks. The worst of both worlds. Hard work, effort, and committing extra hours will not be recognised nor rewarded. No benefits or rewards. No job security, anyone can be fired at the CEO’s whim, and usually on bad terms. No clear work / life boundaries, you will be expected to be available at all hours, any day of the week. Don’t expect to be provided with any real training. You will be bouncing from one crisis to the next, so don’t expect to have an honest conversation with the clients as you will always be keeping up the pretence that things are running smoothly. You’ll also be expected to present the firm as a large organisation, not the long running, low headcount start up that it is. Any requests for personal days for family bereavements or sickness etc will be viewed as a mark against you. Management is a one man operation, who will change direction at the drop of a hat. Use this as a stepping stone into the industry but only if you have to.