Pros
The team dynamic and relationship. There is always banter (where permitted) and the middle management (project managers) are very helpful and understanding.
Cons
Yes, the red flags you've noticed - especially during the third stage interview with the CTO are real. Trust your gut and instincts. Don’t fall into the same trap many of us did, as reflected in the large number of one star reviews. Those reviews are not exaggerated - they’re honest accounts of real experiences. Where to begin? Let’s start with the promises of "training and development" and large "bonuses". These are largely made-up. Training consists of access to a few online portals and an unreasonable expectation to complete multiple certifications within a short timeframe - while also traveling frequently and handling laborious tasks in the office. You can self-study without subjecting yourself to this company’s demands. Don’t expect empathy, support, or basic common sense. I was once told to study while flying at 4 am to a client site - because apparently, "what else should you be doing?" Sleep, maybe? Travel is always booked with cost, not comfort, in mind - cheap hotels, inconvenient flights - which leads to exhaustion and frustration. You’re expected to work immediately upon arrival, regardless of jet lag or a lack of sleep. What is even worse is you'll often have to cover expenses like breakfast and taxis out-of-pocket because the company card hasn’t been topped up - due to pure negligence. Reimbursements are late, and salary payments can be delayed too. On one occasion, I had to borrow money just to cover my mortgage because I wasn’t paid on time. The level of micromanagement is ridiculous. I was once questioned for leaving the office for 10/12 minutes - to use the bathroom and make a cup of tea. The CTO creates a toxic environment with crude, inappropriate "jokes" and routinely ignores your experience in favor of his rigid, often inefficient way of doing things. Tasks are set up for failure, especially at client sites, because he refuses to allocate sufficient staff or resources - simply to save money. This often results in embarrassing, stressful situations for both employees and clients. Overtime is paid at your standard hourly rate, and once you factor in personal spending on travel (yes, including water and snacks), it barely amounts to anything. There’s no sick pay either - so be prepared to take a financial hit if you’re ill or face an emergency. Policies and contracts are frequently updated - always to benefit the CTO, never the staff. The office atmosphere is unstable and tense. It can shift drastically without warning. During my time at Beyond, the CTO personally fired at least five employees, and another three left within their first two weeks after realising what they’d walked into. Firings happen for the most minor reasons, and the shockwaves are felt throughout the team. I strongly urge you - do not join this company. You’ll quickly regret it and find yourself scrambling for a way out.