Working at ISN Software was one of the most mentally and physically draining experiences of my professional life.
Most employees begin as Business Development Associates in what is essentially a high-volume call center environment, handling frustrated contractors dealing with outdated systems while being pushed to chase invoice renewals. Advancement opportunities felt limited, and many roles lacked meaningful long-term skill development.
After being promoted into Client Development, the role became heavily administrative: managing inboxes, coordinating meetings, and supporting account leadership. At times, it felt less like strategic client development and more like serving as operational support for those above you.
The culture was also deeply political. Success often felt tied more to favoritism, likability, and fitting a certain social mold than to performance alone. There was a noticeable difference in treatment between certain groups of employees, particularly when it came to flexibility and trust. While others were allowed to work remotely or leave during the day for appointments, I was required to be in-office daily and was heavily restricted in scheduling even basic medical appointments.
There were also moments that crossed professional boundaries entirely. I was corrected repeatedly on pronunciation, questioned about my legal status by a colleague, and frequently made to feel “othered” in ways that were difficult to ignore.
The stress from this environment severely impacted my health. I lost my menstrual cycle, developed stress-related health complications, and ultimately ended up in the ER. Two former colleagues experienced similar physical effects from the pressure and culture.
Leaving the company was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The moment I walked out after submitting my resignation, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could finally breathe.
