Pros
I have worked at Ably for a significant period of time and have a mixed experience overall. While there are some positive aspects, there are also several areas that left much to be desired. One of the positive aspects of working at Ably is that in the past, the company was known for providing excellent benefits and competitive salaries. However, in recent times, the salary structure has become somewhat stagnant and has not kept up with the rising cost of living, which is very disappointing. The company offers a fair amount of flexibility and autonomy, which is commendable. Compared to some other companies, the work/life balance is relatively better, although it is not without its flaws. This flexibility allows for a certain degree of independence and the ability to manage my own workload, which is appreciated. Another positive aspect of Ably is its main product. The product is solid and has a promising future.
Cons
One crucial aspect that determines the true character of a company is how it treats its employees when they depart. In the past, when employees left, we would only learn about their departure through a brief announcement, leaving a sense of isolation and a feeling of being shunned. This stands in stark contrast to other workplaces where leaving is handled with dignity, fostering a strong network of former employees who still feel valued. Unfortunately, Ably recently underwent some sad changes, which created a grim atmosphere within the organization. The communication surrounding these changes is lacking, with a Slack channel that feels lifeless and restricted from discussing any details. Additionally, Ably's shift from preaching a culture of openness and honesty to turning off chats during meetings where important questions about future careers may arise is disheartening. Employees should feel encouraged to ask tough questions and seek clarity, especially during uncertain times. This recent change contradicts the values that Ably once stood for, leaving employees feeling unheard and uncertain about their professional growth. Furthermore, there is a frequent and drastic redesign of teams and working methods, which leaves little room for employees to adapt and adjust to the changes. Micromanagement has become increasingly prevalent within the teams, putting pressure on delivering tasks without considering the wider context or understanding why certain processes may take longer to implement. This constant scrutiny gives the impression that employees are merely numbers on a spreadsheet, being evaluated solely based on how quickly they can deliver results. It is clear that a few individuals have been given roles that exceed their abilities, leading them to become excessively controlling. They constantly inquire about delivery timelines, creating arbitrary deadlines that are consistently pushed forward, as they don't truly represent actual deadlines. To summarize, Ably is a company that performs well in favorable circumstances but becomes quite unpleasant when faced with challenging times. Unfortunately, the current situation reflects a rough period for the company.
