Pros
Product line with potential to make a real impact in education. Talented and dedicated colleagues who are passionate about their work. The Guardians are what make the company as amazing as it is, and they are the reason I stayed as long as I did. Opportunities for remote work, which supports work-life balance. Unlimited PTO (some see this as a perk; some see this as a negative since the company doesn't have to pay you out for your accrued PTO when they inevitably lay you off.) Strong company mission that aims to improve education and genuinely make a difference.
Cons
If you’re reading this, you’re likely considering working at GoGuardian or are a current employee. My advice is the same for both: RUN! A new CEO was brought in with promises of transparency but failed to deliver immediately. Within two months, he initiated the fourth round of layoffs in 16 months, with no transparency leading into it. Majority of folks were blindsided by this. In total, these layoffs have affected close to 250 employees, highlighting the company's ongoing management issues and lack of stability. If you are looking for stable work, look elsewhere! Despite claiming to value former educators, the CEO laid off three of the few former educators in essential customer-facing roles. They were the only individual contributors let go from that team, exposing his complete disregard for his stated values. He pretended to understand customer frustrations due to all of the recent staffing changes (thanks to the RIFs), yet still cut these key team members during busy season when customers needed them the most. These frequent layoffs and poor decisions directly affect customers and indirectly impact students. This new CEO quickly proved to be just another talking head… just with a British accent. Let's also address their superficial commitment to DEI. They disproportionately laid off Black, Latinx, AAPI, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodivergent employees, revealing a failure to uphold their stated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They disbanded their DEI team in the previous layoff round, exposing their lack of genuine commitment. The remaining employees are actively seeking new job opportunities due to the company's mismanagement. Those who stay are overwhelmed with the extra workload left by their laid-off colleagues. Despite slashing benefits and cutting spending on essential tools, the company can't stop the bleeding. Constant layoffs and poor management decisions have created an unstable and stressful work environment. If this review hasn't deterred you yet, be aware that there is absolutely zero career path or opportunities for career growth offered here. The lack of investment in employee development and career progression means that even those who stay will find themselves stuck in dead-end roles with no prospects for advancement. At this company, you'll either face layoffs or see your career stagnate... or eventually both—avoid it at all costs.