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Five Star Institute

Is this your company?

Don't waste your time working here. - Anonymous employee Five Star Institute Employee Review

1.0
Sep 11, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There are honestly no pros. The first couple of weeks are okay because you're a fresh face and people are trying to feel you out. After that, it goes straight downhill.

Cons

This is honestly the most unprofessional environment I've ever worked in. Upper management is extremely condescending and don't take the time to listen to employees, they completely take advantage of their positions because they have great relationships with the CEO. The editor-in-chief of both publications doesn't even have a degree in journalism, what kind of sense does that make? There's absolutely no work/life balance, its strictly just about work. You are expected to sacrifice your personal time for work without any recognition or incentives. The turnover rate at this company is unnecessarily high. During my five months with Five Star, I've seen over 20 people come and go in my department alone. And with that high turnover rate comes more work. You are expected to wear multiple hats without reaping receiving extra compensation, so don't even bother asking. They don't care about your life outside of work or your well being, they just need bodies to fill the office so they can overwork you until you're burnt out. Not to mention the lawsuits? I don't advise anyone work here because you will be overworked and underpaid. This place is a joke.

Explore other reviews about Five Star Institute

5.0
Jul 22, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I genuinely appreciate this team so much. The people here are smart, supportive, and just fun to work with. Leadership is strong and encouraging and the flexibility has been such a gift. I was truly sad when circumstances made me need to leave but I will always be grateful for the time I spent here and the relationships I built. If you are looking for a place where the people are kind, the work is meaningful, and you are supported to grow, this is it.

Cons

Honestly not many. Like any fast paced environment things can move quickly and priorities shift but that is also what makes it exciting.

1.0
Apr 29, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

None. You may be chosen as a "favorite" by the CEO for a short period of time but that will end and it will be worse than it was before you were his favorite

Cons

A highly stressful environment with people being fired or quitting all around you...we have several people leave recently and clearly "management" (I use this loosely) thinks the bad reviews will deter good talent. Well I hope it does, I'm almost done putting in my time here and I will be gone (hopefully) soon. I would never suggest someone to come into this confused and muddled environment. Not one single employee is set up to succeed, even those that have been here far longer than me are at the whim of the CEO and CCO and the other C guy, who is he? who cares. No one cares about or befriends each other, it is a lonely place struggling to sell a crappy product. I must admit the ideas behind the projects are solid but with stress and confused workers they will all just continue to circle the drain. This was a step backward in my job progress.

21
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Five Star Institute Response
12y
I'm sorry to hear that your time at the Five Star Institute has been so stressful. We realize that our fast paced work environment may not be a good fit for everyone. If you have any suggestions to reduce stress or for improvements, please feel free to let me know.
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