Optimistic for the future - Staff Software Engineer Handshake Employee Review

5.0
Jan 25, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've really enjoyed my time at Handshake and am proud of the business we've been able to build. I've been on several different teams throughout my time here. What these teams all have in common is that they are full of smart, kind, and hard working people. The team is top notch and I look forward to working with and learning from my teammates every day. I have been very pleased with the work life balance at Handshake. I've definitely had some long days/weeks and a couple weekends, but everyone I've worked with understands that my family comes first for me. As far as the business outlook, I'm optimistic. The business is continuing to grow, especially some new segments that we've started to invest more heavily in. I'm hopeful that we made it through a somewhat hard 2023 but are setup for success in the future. I've also really enjoyed the technical challenges at Handshake. I've grown tremendously in my time here and have been able to work on some projects with really large impact.

Cons

We went through a time where, especially on engineering, there was a lack of trust in leadership. Steps have been made, and are continuing to be made, to improve that. For some, I don't think that trust will be restored. It is very fast paced and can be high stress. I personally enjoy this environment, but it is not for everyone.

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Handshake Response
2y
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. Like you, we think that our people are our best asset, and we know how important it is for employees to be able to prioritize their lives outside of work. We recognize that the company – and engineering in particular – underwent a lot of change in 2023. We’re looking forward to more stability in 2024 as we commit to the work directly related to our strategic priorities. Again, we appreciate you sharing your experience.

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Pros

Work at your own pace.

Cons

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Pros

It's flexible and sometimes the money is OK. I got paid most of what they owed me.

Cons

Generally disorganized. The task I was on was one of the more highly paid ones but it was almost impossible to actually do in the allotted time. You aren't supposed to use AI but I think people must. The tasks run far over the time they are supposed to take. The human review system also seemed almost arbitrary. Reviewers did not have the subject matter expertise they claimed to. You will make less than the advertised hourly rate because the tasks routinely take longer than they say they will. If they have averages that are lower, those people are either not submitting accurate hours (there is incentive not to) or are using AI to train AI, which is a bigger problem (but not yours).

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