When the Budget Goes to Parties, the Culture Pays the Price
Pros
Unlimited PTO when salaried, remote work flexibility
Cons
In my time at Fanatics, I worked in two departments. My first two years felt like a fever dream—there was no real company culture, and communication was limited to messaging each other. People would literally run out the door right at 4:30, and there was no sense of camaraderie or collaboration. It was a completely disengaged environment, and on top of that, my manager actually highlighted my time card if I was more than five minutes late, making the experience feel even more disconnected and micromanaged despite being a productive grown adult. In my next few years in a new department, I encountered a troubling lack of professionalism and respect from my leaders. There was a noticeable absence of transparency and accountability, which made it difficult to feel supported or valued. Sensitive information was disclosed inappropriately, and I was discouraged from contributing to projects out of fear that others would unfairly take credit. When I raised concerns, I was dismissed and told I was "too sensitive." This lack of leadership, coupled with disorganization and a negative work environment, created a toxic atmosphere that took a toll on my mental health. Despite being part of a $30 billion company, there were no travel allowances for a team with global responsibilities, no office supply stipend despite promises, and restrictions on bonuses and merit raises due to "the business being down." Meanwhile, we learned that Fanatics funds extravagant events like Michael Rubin's white party, which made me question the company’s priorities. In leaving Fanatics, I take with me valuable lessons—though not the kind a company should strive to teach. My time here has shown me exactly what I don’t want in a workplace: a culture of disengagement, a lack of leadership, and an environment where employees feel undervalued and unheard. Even when I raised concerns with HR after my departure, I was met with complete silence, reinforcing the feeling that employee well-being was never a true priority. While I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve built along the way, I’m eager to move forward to a role where collaboration, respect, and integrity are more than just buzzwords.