KLA

I tried my best to find some positives about KLA, but honestly, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Anything I'd might write might end up directly contradicting the long list of "dislikes" I'm about to drop to.

So...yeah, let's just say the "likes" section is a bit under construction.

My review is not intended to be entirely focused on KLA as a company. Rather, it reflects my experiences specifically within the division I was part of.

1. Tech stack from Jurassic Period - KLA is all about sticking to the classics - and by classic, I mean tools that have been outdated for at least a decade. Get ready to learn, unlearn, and relearn things that everyone else has moved on from.

2. Leave Requests - A month in advance (or else!) - In an industry where flexible work schedules are becoming the norm, my manager insisted on having at least a month's notice for any leave request or WFH option. Need a day off? Make sure you plan your life a month ahead. Spontaneity is overrated anyway!

3. An award-winning lack of diversity - If you are tired of a melting pot of cultures and ideas, KLA will offer you a welcome escape. You'll quickly notice a glaring lack of diversity. But, hey, who needs different different perspective when you can enjoy a homogeneous environment where everyone looks and thinks the same?

4. Bias? What biases? - There's no room for subtlety when it comes to favoritism. While KLA is inclusive, you may see certain divisions/groups/people getting more attention and opportunities.

5. WFH Request - So I asked my dear manager for 1 week WFH. I thought it was a simple request, right?, Well he rejected it faster than a bad job offer and asked me to be back in ofc on a specific date. Meanwhile, I know a few folks in my division pulling off "tatkal tickets" for spontaneous home trips. Guess some rules apply... and others, well, not so much.

6. Language barrier adventures - Working in a team where everyone from Southern India was a real cultural experience. I spent most of my time in a state of confusion, nodding along as my colleague chatted away in Tamil. Who knew "language diversity" would be my biggest challenge?

7. Leaders? Boss? Managers? - In my division, managers used to call themselves leaders, but most of them are still living in the era of BOSS.

8. Snacks saga - Snacks were served at precisely 6:30 PM, and woe betide anyone who dared to show up a minute early. If you dared to stroll in at 6:28 PM, you'd be met with cold rejection and told to "wait till 6:30 PM". --"Early? Not on our watch - I almost expected a velvet rope and bouncer to appear"

A few other cons are written below

Biasness / Favoritism Politics Stagnant financial growth Low increments Bowl of muesli as breakfast Paid lunch (Pathetic)