Talent Burned Out, Leadership Checked Out: Why Sandbox VR Can't Scale Sustainably
Pros
The best part of the job is hands down the store-level team. You’ll work with some incredibly passionate, creative, and hard-working individuals who do their best to bring the experience to life every day. Watching guests experience VR for the first time is often a magical moment — their excitement, reactions, and joy can make the tougher days feel worth it. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among those on the frontlines, who lean on each other through the chaos and often form tight-knit teams.
Cons
Upper management lacks accountability. Mistakes made at the corporate level are rarely acknowledged, leaving store teams to clean up the mess. Burnout is common, especially with inconsistent on-call style scheduling, minimal staffing, and unrealistic performance expectations. Recognition and upward mobility are nearly nonexistent, and internal promotions are rare — especially now, as franchising becomes more widespread. Corporate leadership is largely remote, disconnected from daily operations, and often on vacation or unavailable during critical periods. High turnover, particularly of talented individuals, is a direct result of poor leadership and a culture of nepotism, especially from former Lolli & Pops personnel who dominate upper ranks and decision-making.
