-employees are paid WAY below market value and company is extremely cheap- doesn't invest in technology, workers, etc- always seems to fall back on the "we are a start up" excuse, yet company isn't a struggling start up anymore. You're lead to believe that management "will look out for you" when the company "takes off", but as time goes by it becomes clear thats not the case.
-often chaotic- so much focus on scaling the company via market share, but internally processes can't keep up. Management doesn't seem to care about making employees' jobs easier.
-does not seem like when the company succeeds, the employees succeed. Its easy to feel "used" by management. They do whats best for them and their actions show little regard for employees (they do what they think they can get away with).
-Management isn't always straightforward. They'll tell you what you want to hear, but end up doing something else. Do your own research and advocate for yourself, this includes negotiating employment offers. They like to keep you in the dark and play you like a fool. For instance, they'll promise equity and make it sound like it will offset the poor compensation. The equity they finally end up giving out (they make you wait about 6 months to see) is a joke. They also leave out key details to help you determine the actual values of the shares.
-company isn't really a "company". Everyone seems to be personally hired to work for the founder. There is a lack of company processes and internal decision making authority. This is part of the reason its a bad place to build a career.
-The direction and execution of their vision isn't exactly clear. Changes a lot and often seems in just blend in with their competitors. Management seems to engage in a lot of trial and error.
-company requires that you use your personal phone as your primary method of contact. All sales calls, communication with clients, etc., come from the phone. The office does not have a landline. However, they do not pay anything towards your phone bill!