(1) work-life balance felt way off, just like the salary is underpaid. I can't write a specific instance for fear of being sued for defamation (thank you Glassdoor for the scary "double check your strongly-worded review so we have proof you're saying it's true" warning). Let's just say I felt like I was highly discouraged to work outside of business hours, despite feeling pressure to finish all work even if it was too much, while ALSO being encouraged to say something if it was too much, but feeling as if I would endanger my performance if I said anything. I felt trapped.
An environment like that can lead to all sorts of pressure that emphasizes the appearance of performing well/quickly, which could lead to people being taken advantage of by those assigning work, etc. Of course other teams or branches or even managers may feel very different in this regard.
(2) it seems like your manager is your god. So if your manager does not care about your development, your work, or you, then you would not go anywhere, learn anything, or develop any skills. It felt like there were few protections against untrained, uncaring, abusive, or otherwise poor managers. Even with the "team of teams" model, don't worry about anyone else, make sure you please your manager above all others, just like any other company.
(3) HR is lovely but has no teeth to protect employees who need protection outside of hard and fast legal protections (documented, harmful abuse against protected classes). I guess this is typical of most companies where people trample people to get to the top and HR can't or won't do anything. But it's still degrading to a low-level employee looking to learn to have no way to reconcile a situation, or be protected in some way
My biggest complaint is that the way the company markets itself to potential employees (friendly! caring!) did not seem to match the actual workings once hired. It is MARKETING though so maybe that makes sense...
