2mo
We'd like to offer an honest perspective in return.
On compensation: This team member joined us with zero prior experience in their domain. We still offered compensation well above the standard intern or entry-level bracket. We stand by that decision.
On experience and onboarding: This individual had no SEO background whatsoever. What they brought was strong communication skills. To set them up for success, we paired them with a team member who had two years of solid SEO experience — so they could learn hands-on, with real clients. That is not something every company offers someone walking in with no relevant experience.
What we expected was simple: show up, do the work, learn the craft, and grow. Instead, the focus shifted entirely away from SEO work and reporting — the actual job — toward navigating internal relationships, commenting on teammates' work and capabilities, and pushing for influence and authority that hadn't been earned through any results.
On workload: The single incident flagged as 'overload' was a website audit required for a major client presentation — a standard deliverable in any SEO role. It wasn't completed. The full burden fell on the experienced team member who was meant to be a mentor, not a backup. That individual eventually left out of frustration. That is a loss we genuinely feel, caused entirely by an avoidable situation.
On ambition: There is a clear difference between growing through results and seeking to climb through politics. We support the former. We do not reward the latter.
On culture and management: Our leadership stays close to the team to protect a culture built over years — not to micromanage. The team described as 'not working' and 'of no use' is the same team we are proud of every single day. They deliver, they support each other, and they show up.
This team member received a 100% performance appraisal in February 2026. We are unclear which growth parameters were felt to be missing.
We remain committed to people who contribute honestly and build with us — not those who work against the team from within.
