This company has a concerning approach when it comes to determining compensation, often offering pay that is not aligned with an individual's experience or qualifications. Instead of basing salaries on relevant skills, experience, or industry standards, the company tends to offer higher starting wages based primarily on the employee's age or connections, rather than merit. The older an individual is, the more likely they are to receive a higher starting pay, regardless of whether their level of experience justifies it. This practice can feel unfair and discouraging to employees who may have more relevant experience or skills but are offered lower compensation simply due to their age or lack of personal connections within the company. The company's promotion process is heavily influenced by a "buddy system," where advancement opportunities are largely determined by who you know rather than the quality of your work. This often leads to situations where individuals who have strong connections within the company are favored for promotions, even if others are more qualified or have put in more effort. As a result, the hardest-working employees tend to get overlooked, leading to frustration and feelings of inequity. This favoritism creates a toxic work environment, where morale suffers, and employees feel demotivated or undervalued, knowing that their contributions are less likely to be recognized or rewarded unless they are part of the right social circle. The overall impact is a culture that undermines hard work and fosters resentment among team members.