Toxic and Hopeless Workplace - Senior Software Engineer January Employee Review

1.0
Jul 24, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- decent cash compensation - easy place to coast at since management is not skilled enough to identify when employees are slacking

Cons

- almost all engineering managers leave around 1 year mark, including multiple EMs with prior successful exits as founder/CTO. - most decisions are made by part-time "advisors" for whom this job is a low priority side gig. - chaotic project management - lower than average healthcare & benefits, no 401k matching - CEO will expect you to attend meetings at all hours from 6am to midnight - most work is done by overseas contractors - no regular feedback/performance cycles

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January Response
2y
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate constructive criticism and the opportunity to address concerns about the professional challenges our employees may face. However, there seem to be some misconceptions in your review that we'd like to clarify: -We take pride in providing a comprehensive benefits package that competes favorably with large companies in the industry. This includes a 401k corporate matching of 4% for all our employees. If you need help setting up your 401k match, please contact HR. -Our employees' well-being is a top priority for us, and we neither expect nor require employees to attend meetings outside of normal business hours. -We take employee growth and development seriously. As part of this commitment, we conduct regular performance reviews, including a new standard for mid-year reviews that was introduced last year. Currently, we only employ two offshore contractors (out of around 15 engineers). We’re still actively hiring engineers located in the United States. As a startup, we heavily rely on our talented engineers to drive innovation and create impactful products. We would love to explore ways to further engage and involve you in our exciting journey. Please don't hesitate to communicate with us so that we can work together to enhance your experience as part of our team.

Explore other reviews about January

5.0
Sep 22, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

January is one of the rare companies where you can truly be proud of what you build. Its mission is to improve people’s lives by empowering them to understand their bodies—helping them eat better, manage glucose levels, and take control of their health. Today, the company is going far beyond glucose by incorporating blood tests, wearable devices, and other health inputs. Using advanced machine learning and AI, January delivers personalized insights and actionable recommendations that don’t just extend longevity but meaningfully improve healthspan. The team includes some of the brightest minds, united by a deep commitment to this vision. At the center is the CEO, whose relentless dedication ensures that January’s mission can reach and benefit the population at large.

Cons

A startup like this isn’t for everyone—and that’s what makes it special. Success here takes commitment and a true all-in mindset. While we value work-life balance, thriving at January means going beyond “just doing a job” to helping bring a bold vision to life. If you have a startup mindset and a passion for making an impact, this is the place to excel.

1
1.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Paychecks were reliable and they didn't micromanage your schedule.

Cons

Nobody talks to each other and I don't think it's accidental - you can feel the structural problem the moment you start working there. Teams just operate in completely separate worlds and information dies at the boundaries, so you end up duplicating without even knowing it. I've watched people spend weeks on projects that could've been avoided with one conversation between departments. The company is siloed by design and nobody seems to care enough to fix it. When you ask questions you either get radio silence or contradictory answers depending on which team you catch first. The infuriating part is watching smart people work hard on things that are duplicative because the structure literally prevents them from knowing what's already being done.

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