Don't Go West - Anonymous employee Go West Tours Employee Review

1.0
11 Oct 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-If you get an interview, pretty much means you are hired (desperation would you be the key word here) -Meet some great people (although there are plenty of other places to make friends) -Boring, easy, mind-numbing busy work (if that's what you are into...)

Cons

-Training is non existent. Because of this, people are constantly making mistake and it's always damage control. The mismanagement and disorganization in this company is astounding. -There are countless meetings that accomplish absolutely nothing other than give management the feeling they are being productive and in control. -Favoritism is rampant. Growth opportunity is reserved to those few favorites. -Employees are so frustrated working that rudeness and bitterness are considered normal attitudes in the office. -Be prepared to get dirty looks if you take all breaks that are legally permitted. When you do take your breaks, you are walking around in the tenderloin; not so relaxing. -Most departments have emergency phones and although you are expected to answer it and work from home at all hours of the night and day, no compensation is given. -The salary alone is reason enough to run. It is impossible to live in SF or the East Bay on an annual salary of 30k. Considering the experience and knowledge some of the people I've worked with have, this salary is just plain absurd. -Job demand is so high in the city that they have no problem with their ridiculously high turnover. They know they will easily find someone to replace you. Job security is non existent. -When you start working you are taking over other people's work. It is always a mess because everyone just stops caring after a couple months. -The office is filthy. Not only is the location itself disgusting but you can't even hope to escape when arriving at the office. You walk in to see (and smell) trash cans, dirty walls, dusty vents and carpets that haven't been cleaned in... who knows how long. -Employees are pressured to overwork yet there is no appreciation or compensation for overtime. The word overtime is not in their vocabulary, but exploration definitely is! -Interns are treated like full employees: they have the same workload and hours but are shamelessly underpaid.

Explore other reviews about Go West Tours

5.0
22 Nov 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Go West is a family owned and run business and, as such, it provides a lot of exciting professional challenges. If you are eager to learn and dig into the tourism industry this is a great place where to work. Go West values creativity and offered me the opportunity to explore a lot of business development routes that are helping me grow as a professional. The work environment is dynamic and friendly; there is just no space for 'unhealthy' competition. Simply put, people at Go West are all amazing!

Cons

Prior to covid-19 the company had reached a size and level that required more structured internal processes and technological upgrades. Steps that could support the growth path the company had been experiencing for the last 25 years. There is an intense focus on clients that might require juggling from one task to another (but this is part of the fun!).

1
5.0
3 Dec 2020
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There are many, many pros in working for Go West. From a professional perspective, they are very savy business people, who are able to predict trends, make the right investments, and run a very successful company. More importantly, from a personal perspective, they take care of their employees, genuinely care, and run the business much more like a family than a corporation. They hire people that have passion, that love tourism, and that want to succeed, and so there is a lot of personal pride experienced in being part of the team. The owners and general management trust their team, do not micromanage, and trust our judgement and experience. We learn from each other. During Covid, their compassion has been especially apparent, since many companies have taken a brutal and impersonal approach to layoffs, while Go West has done everything in their power to keep staff, and help them support themselves and their families. I feel truly lucky to have had such a great place to call my work home for so long.

Cons

Because many of us work remotely, it can be challenging to feel connected. Extra effort and initiative on your part will help alleviate that feeling, but it can still be a challenge sometimes. Also, because we traditionally are in high season for a large part of the year, you are expected to learn the job on the go, and have high ambitions to work with limited support early on. For that reason, the job is better suited to people who are comfortable with those two business styles.

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All