Pros
Business travel - I got to go to China, Singapore, and travel a bunch in the US.
Cons
Working at TikTok was an extremely challenging experience, particularly from an organizational and leadership perspective. They operate in a constant state of urgency, often without clear strategy, stable priorities, or long-term planning. Direction changes frequently and with little explanation, which makes it difficult to deliver meaningful, sustainable work. Projects are often re-scoped or deprioritized mid-flight, leading to wasted effort and burnout. Leadership quality is highly inconsistent. Decision-making is very top-down, with limited transparency and minimal context shared with teams. Feedback often flows one way, and speaking up or challenging decisions is not always welcomed. This creates a culture where execution is valued over critical thinking, and where optics can matter more than impact. Work-life balance is poor. Long hours are normalized, and the pace is intense even by big tech standards. There is a strong expectation to be constantly available on Lark, which is especially difficult for employees working across time zones. Burnout is common, and turnover reflects that. Career growth and role clarity are also concerns. Job scopes can shift significantly without discussion, performance expectations may change without clear criteria, and promotions can feel opaque or inconsistent. TikTok may be a fit for people who thrive in high-pressure, chaotic environments and are comfortable with ambiguity and constant change. However, for those who value thoughtful leadership, clear strategy, psychological safety, and sustainable work practices, this may not be the right long-term environment.