Awful - Senior Software Engineer Relational Employee Review

1.0
Feb 22, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good work - life balance until the client decides to play "Simon says" with you.

Cons

Of course, as always there are many factors of someone's view, the project they are in, the timing etc. I happened to work in the National Bank of Greece project. It was the most unfriendly environment right from the start and I did not feel welcomed at all. I also had to cope with very rude behaviors. As an example, in my very first weeks there, we happened to mention the SOLID development principles. Someone, stopped me and told my in my face that there is no way my code is SOLID, he betted it is PSOLID (i.e. a wordplay which is an insulting insinuation in Greek). There you go, me a senior software engineer who dedicated my life in this work, being told that my code does not comply to junior level practices. This did not come from an engineer, but a nobody that happened to work there while he could do any other job. I froze, I did not respond at all! I had to cope with several similar rude incidents from a couple of other people and I had to stay there for two and a half years to slowly gain the respect I deserved right from the start. I never shared this with anyone but I think I should have. Yes, after this company, I should visit a therapist and send them the bill! Being in my current employer and being so satisfied now, makes me think that maybe I should have left Relational immediately. I really regret having met some of the people there. Unfortunately, toxicity acts as a chain reaction. There are many other disadvantages but since being respected and appreciated is fundamental, I am stopping here.

Explore other reviews about Relational

3.0
Apr 18, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pays on time Some colleagues can help you grow

Cons

Better feedback and salary increase

1.0
Apr 30, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some skilled and experienced engineers trying their best to deliver under pressure. Exposure to enterprise-scale systems and government-related projects.

Cons

Favoritism and exclusion: Promotions, visibility, and support go to insiders or long-time loyalists. If you’re not part of that circle, expect to be sidelined. Some voices are always heard; others never are. Legacy tech and fake Agile: Most projects involve patching legacy systems rather than building anything new. Despite constant “Agile” talk, real Agile doesn’t exist. Standups are just status reporting sessions for upper management. No career path: Raises and promotions are opaque and infrequent. Career development feels like an afterthought, unless you’re lucky enough to have a manager who advocates for you (rare). Many strong engineers leave or stagnate. Toxic peer culture: Backstabbing, gossip, and cliques are a normal part of daily life. Some team members seem more focused on undermining colleagues than doing their jobs. You learn to stay quiet and keep your head down. High stress, no support: Overtime is common, but recognition is not. Deadlines are chaotic and change often. Emotional exhaustion sets in fast — and burnout is treated like a weakness, not a symptom of broken systems. Abusive management culture: Several team leads and mid-level managers use fear and intimidation as their management style. Yelling, public blame, and emotional manipulation are common tactics. Feedback is rarely constructive — it's either hostile or condescending.

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