Wikimedia Foundation

This organization is a revolving door of incredibly inspiring people from all over the globe.

There is a decent work-life balance on some teams, and almost everyone is WFH/remote.

Good benefits if you are located in the U.S.

Very low pay compared to industry rates, and even worse is the location-based pay scheme that ensures non-US employees are second class. Extremely bloated workforce and tons of off-mission "special" projects that do nothing for Wikipedia other than grift funds from donors. Lots of long-term employees have created sandcastles and protect them at all costs. No support from leadership to help you do your job; at worst, they actively try to make you fail. I've never felt less supported throughout my entire career.

The foundation is swimming in cash, but you aren't allowed to use it to hire or do anything to make your team more effective. Lots of blatant censorship from staff & community due to captured audiences. Meetings can get very tense due to hostile behavior; some technical teams have a long & well-documented history of bullying too. There is a weird racial tension in some groups that adds to the overall hostility. The community can also be very hostile to new ideas, which means little innovation happens overall.

In many ways, it feels like you are still living in the early 2000s working here as an engineer. If you have solid skills, don't waste your time!

Support your staff! Low pay is not a badge of honor, nor does it signal a commitment to "the mission" (whatever that means these days).

Reduce the number of special projects or require concrete milestones to continue funding them.

Be transparent about fundraising goals and where donations go.

Stop race-baiting during company meetings.

Stop location-based pay.