Pros
I joined PortSwigger over two years ago, coming from roles where I was considered a fairly strong performer. But from early on, it became clear that the bar at PortSwigger was very high. The expectations around quality, ownership, and delivery were different to what I’d experienced before. I was motivated to meet them, but I didn’t always succeed. To be clear, I didn’t crash and burn. I was capable and worked hard. But PortSwigger really does look for excellence, not just effort. And in some key areas (like attention to detail, time management, and consistently delivering high-quality output) I wasn’t quite there. What made all the difference was the support I received. This is what I want to focus on, because I’ve never experienced anything like it anywhere else. From my team leader, I received regular, thoughtful feedback. It wasn’t sugar-coated, but it was always respectful and constructive. The conversations weren’t easy - I didn’t enjoy hearing that I wasn’t hitting the mark. But they were fair, and they helped me see where and how I needed to grow. I always felt like my team leader wanted me to succeed, not just for the company, but for me personally. Even more impressive was the support I received from two members of the Culture team. I didn’t expect to work so closely with them, but they were genuinely invested in helping me overcome the blockers that were holding me back. Through regular coaching, we dug into what was getting in my way - habits, mindsets, blind spots. They didn’t just tell me what to do better, they helped me figure out how to change. It was the best coaching I’ve ever had, by some distance. I made progress. Some of the things that had always held me back became more manageable. I started to feel more confident, more capable. I saw the impact in my day-to-day work and in the feedback I received. What stands out is how much space I was given. There was no rush to push me out. PortSwigger gave me time to grow, opportunities to prove myself, and a lot of trust. I never felt micromanaged or written off. Quite the opposite - people kept investing in me. The environment itself also made a big difference. PortSwigger is full of smart, kind, motivated people. Collaboration is the norm. People are willing to help. And there’s a sense of shared purpose that runs through the business. It’s not just about outputs. It’s about doing great work together, and doing it in a way that feels good. There are so many other positives too. The working environment is exceptional. The benefits and facilities are genuinely best-in-class. The company is generous, and it shows in how people are treated. And the culture isn’t just a poster on the wall. It’s lived, every day, even in tough conversations. When it became clear that I wasn’t going to reach the performance bar that PortSwigger needs, those conversations were honest but compassionate. There was no drama. Just a shared understanding that it was time to move on, for the company’s sake, and for mine. I was supported through that process, not pushed out. It was one of the most graceful exits I’ve ever experienced. I’m proud of the progress I made. I didn’t end up where I’d hoped, but I’m a better professional because of my time at PortSwigger. I learned more in two years there than I had in the previous five. And I’m grateful, not just for the opportunity, but for the people who believed in me and gave me everything they could to help me succeed. I have no bitterness, only gratitude. If I had the chance to take the job again, knowing how it would turn out, I would absolutely do it. PortSwigger is special. The bar is high, and that’s part of what makes it such an amazing place. I didn’t quite get there, but I’m better for trying.
Cons
Even with all the support in the world, it’s tough to feel like you’re falling short. That can take a toll on your confidence. But in my case, it never felt cruel or cold, just challenging.
