Uncomfortable job experience - Anonymous employee Jaguar Design Studio Employee Review

I have been working for Jaguar Design Studio as a graphic designer for over 12 years. Jaguar is a small studio and working here feels like being part of a family. Everyone is really nice and fun and the office is just amazing. The work we do (mostly corporate events) can be fast-paced and challenging, and Linda, the company owner, has high expectations (as she should). Having worked for her for so many years, I’ve learned that she values dedication above all. If you work hard and you give it your best, even if mistakes are made along the way, she will appreciate and respect you for it. During critical times, Linda always checks in to ensure I am doing ok. I always feel that I can approach her with questions or concerns and I’ve never had the feeling of being treated unfairly. She is also very flexible when it comes to personal requests, which has been tremendous as I juggle between demands of work and family. I have a lot of respect for Linda and am grateful for the opportunities she has given me to grow as a designer.

If you don't hold yourself accountable, show initiative, give 100% each day and have a lousy work ethic you will not make it here.

Interesting and varied software projects. Coworkers are passionate about their work, talented and fun to work with. Can gain a breadth of experience and leave after a year for better pay and working conditions.

Company takes a "Burn and Churn" approach to web projects, bringing on entry level developers at low wages while assigning work of significant complexity typical for a mid-level to senior level developer. Owner/Manager creates a toxic work environment so everyone is on edge when she walks in the door. On any given day will single out a subordinate and make them target of excessive criticism for the whole day. Boss gave me a task late on a Friday and said it was urgent, due Monday. I stayed late to complete it and she didn't look at it for 2 weeks. Overheard her telling one of my colleagues she plays these psychological games because she thinks we're more likely to beat project time estimates if she creates urgency, but it requires workers giving up their nights and weekends. There's no bandwidth to pick up slack if another coworker calls out sick, is on PTO, or at a client on-site. She doesn't budget adequate time for projects and then holds developers accountable for not meeting unrealistic expectations she sets with the client.