Pros
Some people are friendly, tap water is free
Cons
SALARIES Salaries are so low they are insulting. Don't get fooled by the "Competitive salary" they promise to all new comers, there is no such thing at Sidetrade. Working there for almost 3 years, in 2 different departments, my salary has always been several thousands euros less than the market price, to say the very least. If you expect bonuses to ease the pain, that's another big mistake. Targets are set up in such a way that it is virtually impossible to earn as much money as advertised (if you are lucky enough to know your targets, that’s another story). Also, cherry on the cake, since bonuses need to be approved by the CEO, you can safely assume that they will arrive late (sometimes 2, or 3 months), as he is very busy and time is money (but not yours). If you decide to join Sidetrade, however, you'll have the privilege to read countless emails detailing the impressive growth of the company, and how many millions are in the bank, which is reassuring really. More insights for the cash collection department salaries: Entry salary: minimum wage (yes because you’re only asked to speak two languages, and remember tap water is already free) Salary raise every six months. The beauty of this offer is that it looks great on paper, because you truly believe you’re in a fast paced environment and you’ll get there very soon. The reality is something else, please consider how many years you'll need to work to get the same entry level cash collection salary anywhere else (and I really mean, anywhere else). I did this calculation myself at the time and that was no more than a few years, all good ! Professional Services/IT salary insights: If you've felt insulted as a cash collector, wait until you get a job in the Professional Services/IT. You might think having a degree, having a promotion and all that sort of things will get you in a nice place, well it depends, especially if you work at Sidetrade. My earnings were as disappointing as when I was a collection agent, to be honest even more, as you know being an “engineer” and all should be rewarding. BENEFITS Here is what Sidetrade has to offer: . Are you done reading ? Great, there’s not much more to say. No health insurance (unless you’re part of the management (not always true, top management needs to appreciate you), but health doesn’t matter as much when you’re young, right ?), no food, not even coffee/tea or sugar. At some point, there was a big advertisement campaign, because they were offering free fruits. But wait wait wait, once a week. And in the end it happened twice. Thanks though, to this day I still remember this delicious apple. CONSIDERATION FOR PEOPLE Just looking at the turnover rate should be enough of an indicator. People constantly leave, sometimes during the first week or first COUPLE OF DAYS at Sidetrade. More and more people are leaving, at all levels. Terrible, terrible way to treat employees. Top Management previously referred to cash collection agents as a “bunch of interns who should be happy to get paid”. Do I need to say more ? A.I COMPANY Sidetrade claims that they’re on the verge of new technologies, they’re going to take on the AI market, etc etc. Here is a suggestion: what about using softwares which are not from 2008 ? What about providing correct equipment to the people who work in the IT Department ? Fun fact, I had to buy equipment myself to setup my second screen (thankfully I was refunded, Sidetrade is generous). Also, it might be time to stop using the free version of every software you use (communication, support), don’t you think ? It might not be noticeable from the outside (or is it ?), but that’s so cheap it’s hilarious. The A.I race is not won in a wooden car. At the very least update the softwares Professional Services use EVERY DAY. SUMMARY Even if you are looking for experience, keep in mind that you will be able to find it somewhere else, in a way better environment. Sidetrade is greedy and careless towards its employees, don’t make this time consuming mistake.
