Hardworking, fun, and passionate people who have come together to build a lasting community.
Pros
Nextdoor is one of those places that you think you will get the chance to work at eventually, maybe in your 40's or 50's. Perhaps that's just my age speaking, but I thought it would take a lot longer in life to find a company and team that I could fully throw myself at, because I truly believe in what we are doing and how we are making a difference in communities across the country. Of the most valuable things I've taken away from working at Nextdoor is the amazing team I've been privileged to work alongside. By my "team" I don't mean the other folks who work in Neighborhood Operations (though they are a part of it), I'm referring to everyone in the company. Each and every person in this company pulls for one another and cares for one another. We all know that we are in this endeavor together to make the best social platform for neighborhoods the internet has ever seen. I feel I've been extraordinarily lucky to come across a company where I feel that every person within the organization is considered family to me. Working on the Neighborhood Operations team in particular has opened my eyes to how vital this website and organization has become to the communication of so many various neighborhoods across the country. Every day I read and resolve incoming emails regarding problems users encounter signing up, product feedback they have for us, praise of the company, or people writing in with ideas on how Nextdoor could be even better. Through this experience of working as a support specialist, I've been able to see firsthand how the website and platform we are building, is having a real world impact, and concrete effect in people's lives. Very few companies can claim to have such a tangible real world impact, and I believe Nextdoor is well poised to rapidly spread that social good across the country and the world. One of the other powerful and rewarding things about working at Nextdoor is being able to find a mentor easily and ask for advice from time to time. Being able to learn from veterans in the technology and internet industry, as well as folks who have come from a background of non-profit and other social good startups, there is a veritable treasure trove of insight, passion and wisdom to be found among the Product Managers, Engineers, Designers, PR mavens, and our management team. Among other smaller yet important items, having a large trove of cheese products and snacks is always a plus in my book. Fellow teammates frequently organize movie outings, Tahoe trips, "Fancy Friday", "Wildlife Wednesday" and other excuses to wear goofy clothing. There is a Mortal Kombat machine as well as a Ping Pong table, though I've never really been partial to either. All in all, ever since I came across Nextdoor and the people who work there, I knew my professional career would never be the same. I've been humbled in my time working here so far, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds.
Cons
There are any number of things at any organization that can be improved, and Nextdoor is no different. I consider this to be a half plus, but the intense amount of energy and work that everybody pours into their jobs and tasks does mean that the bar is collectively raised for everyone in the company. This means that you shouldn't expect to just coast along as if working at Nextdoor is some 9-5 job. I like that level of intensity and passion in my work, but sometimes it can be difficult to maintain, especially if there is something troubling going on in my personal life. However, folks are very understanding, and there is a sincere effort to prevent burnout among the various teams, which allows for frequent re-alignment and some good R&R. Sometimes it can be hard to focus on a specific set of tasks when there are so many interesting personalities in the same building. Luckily there are many conference rooms, comfy couches, and remote spaces to settle into. Additionally, folks can request a headphones upgrade (to those noise canceling ones), which has helped to increase focus. Finally, there is an impetus to be fully connected and available. You may not want to check your email for an entire weekend, but if you don't I can assure you that your inbox will fill rapidly and you will find that tackling your email becomes a chore in and of itself. Luckily I read spare emails on my commute, but that may not work for everyone.