Pros
I joined AbleTo in 2019, shortly after it acquired Joyable. At the time, we were a relatively small, passionate team of engineers and product professionals deeply committed to building affordable, effective mental health solutions. Our work centered on helping individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges, using programs grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The next four years were some of the most fulfilling in my career. I had the opportunity to work with cutting-edge open-source technologies and contribute to major initiatives — including a full infrastructure migration from AWS to Google Cloud, the creation of new mobile applications, CI/CD platform transitions, and building a new unified patient-facing app from the ground up. The environment was collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven. AbleTo offered strong benefits, a competitive salary, annual performance reviews with generous bonuses, and a workplace culture that made you feel both valued and inspired. Communication from leadership, particularly our CEO and CTO, was transparent and aligned with a clear vision and purpose. However, everything changed in late 2023 when AbleTo was acquired by Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group (UHG). The culture shifted dramatically. The focus moved from patient outcomes and employee well-being to revenue growth and cost-cutting — at any cost. Layoffs began, including some of the most experienced and talented people on our teams. Workloads increased, morale plummeted, and the supportive culture we once enjoyed quickly deteriorated. By 2024, the once-thriving team I had joined was a shell of its former self. I chose to resign, no longer seeing a future that aligned with my values or goals. One of the most sobering moments came after the assassination of Brian Thompson, UHG’s former CEO — a tragedy that brought to light the growing discontent and darkness surrounding the organization. It was a stark reminder of the broader consequences of unchecked corporate greed and disregard for patient care. UHG is a company that prioritizes profit above all else, often at the expense of both its employees and the vulnerable populations it claims to serve. Offshore outsourcing, slashed resources, and record-breaking executive bonuses paint a clear picture: this is no longer healthcare — it's business, pure and simple. If you’re reading this as an employee of Optum or UHG, you may already be familiar with these shifts. And if your company has recently been acquired by them, consider this a glimpse into what may lie ahead.
Cons
Start caring again, put people first.