Pros
My tenure at Lanware was a bit of a rollercoaster. I started as an Infrastructure Engineer (3rd line) and moved to Service Desk Manager after 18 months. I completed one of the best interviews (the MD's words, not mine) and secured that role. The company sent me on an all-expenses paid 5-day visit to Leeds where I attended and successfully completed the 'SDI: Certified Service Desk Manager' course. Not long after securing this role, my 'dream' role became available and I was supported in yet another transition to the 'Technical Operations Manager', where I held overall responsibility for all BAU technical operations. This should speak volumes about career progression opportunities in the company and their willingness to let their employees try new roles and learn new skills. I saw Service Desk staff transition to Project Managers, Account Managers and Service Managers, with paid training, simply because they showed an interest and informed their manager. I don’t believe I'll ever find a company quite like Lanware again. The people you get to work with, the technologies you get to play with and the overall ‘buzz’ of the day-to-day was outrageously unmatched. If you are serious about your career and believe you have what it takes to play with the top 1% then look no further; this should be your next employer. One of the best ways to improve on a skill is to practice it with someone who’s better than you. You will have to work harder and think faster, but after a while, your skills will improve and, eventually, you might even be good enough to teach someone else. This was by far the best part of working at Lanware. You’re surrounded by great people, and so the chances are you’ll eventually become one. I lost count of the number of people who came in to the business thinking they ‘knew it all’, only to be shocked to their core. Sure, they had a stressful and exhausting first 6 months, but they eventually get to feel great about themselves and start sharing what they’ve learned with the new engineers. I worked hard all day every day because I loved the company, its customers and my job - I truly believe I gave them everything I had to offer. This is what ultimately led to me resigning, the more involved and committed you are, the easier you’re angered by changes (or lack thereof) to policies, processes and people. I don’t regret resigning, but I do miss working here every single day. Some quick notes: - You get to work with the latest and greatest technologies. - You'll never be 'just another cog'. You're heard and valued by all. - Customers are always pumping cash in to research and upgrades. - Customers are very high quality. Lovely people to work with. - Your personal development will be almost immeasurable. - You'll make great friends because they have amazing people. - This is the best company you'll ever have on your CV.
Cons
If you want to succeed here you can forget about maintaining a work/life balance. There are too many great people working here so in order to stand out you will need to make a lot of sacrifices, and there are very few roles here that permit you to drag your feet. Depending on your role, be prepared to jump on your PC at 3am and resolve issues. Career progression may be plentiful but do not expect to retire here. Things may have changed, but Lanware was an accelerator. You get in, you work hard, you give it your all and then you get out. It seemed to be a 3-5 year cycle. You advance so quickly here that you have no choice to get out, as the benefits are almost non-existent and the compensation is below average (when compared to similar roles in the same industry). I nearly tripled my compensation in my next role, and I didn't have to work anywhere near as hard. Management seem to think you can hire and retain the best (we work exclusively with FS clients) while paying the same rate (or slightly higher) than your average run-of-the-mill MSP out in the sticks. Let us not sugar coat it – it is unacceptable. You spend 20 hours a week studying, researching and sitting exams (in your own time) to be in the top 1%, then you work your 37.5 hours, plus 10h+ overtime, only to be paid the same as some laid-back lump in the sticks? No thank you sir! It should be noted that Senior Management were well aware of this, and were proud to shake the hand (and sometimes hug!) their leavers, knowing that they paid their dues, gave it there all and deserve to find a bigger role in the big bad world. So kudos to them for respecting and celebrating their leavers.