Upstart

I’ve worked at Upstart for a few years, and overall, it’s been a mixed experience.

There are some incredible people at this company—talented engineers, strong cross-functional teams, and pockets of leadership that truly invest in their people. If you land on one of these teams, you’ll find opportunities to grow, learn, and make a tangible impact.

There are some areas where leadership seems to have significant blind spots. Certain managers can play the political game well, often deflecting blame and avoiding accountability. Unfortunately, this creates a toxic environment where those not skilled in office politics might feel isolated or undervalued. If you’re unlucky enough to work under this type of leadership, it can be frustrating and difficult to find support or have your contributions recognized.

Another challenge is work-life balance. Expectations are high, and it often feels like there’s always more to be done, with little regard for time off or mental well-being. While some managers are understanding and flexible, that’s not the case across the board. Burnout can be a real issue if you’re not careful about setting boundaries.

Take a closer look at middle management and be open to employee feedback about their direct managers. Leadership should focus on fostering a culture of accountability and ensuring that managers truly support their teams, not just manage upwards.

Create more explicit expectations around work-life balance. Encourage managers to set realistic timelines and workloads and ensure that employees have the space to take time off without feeling guilty or falling behind.

Reward genuine contributions and collaboration over political maneuvering. People should be promoted based on merit, not their ability to navigate office politics.

Make it a priority to listen to your employees across all levels of the company. There’s a lot of talent and potential here, but leadership blind spots and a lack of focus on employee well-being are undermining it.