I am still employed here, and overall the work atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. Working hours are flexible, and employees are given quite a lot of room and trust. Our department does not work much overtime, and my supervisor basically shares the philosophy of allocating workloads in a way that minimizes overtime for everyone. Previously, when overtime was required for specific projects, we did in fact receive overtime pay (with the option of taking overtime pay or compensatory time off). We receive all the year-end bonuses that are supposed to be provided. Even newcomers who have worked for less than a year have a chance to win prizes at the year-end banquet, and the travel subsidies are also genuinely provided.

I identify with the boss John’s management philosophy of mutual benefit. Although it is not easy to put into practice in a large company, at least the idea is a good one. The company regularly arranges talks by well-known speakers, which are great opportunities for me to recharge and shift my mindset. (So far, I have gained quite a lot from every session I’ve attended—notes, recordings made on the sly, and I haven’t dozed off once.)

As a Far EasTone subsidiary that has expanded rapidly in a short period of time, the company has some cumbersome but unnecessary procedures, as well as overly fussy, circular processes, which may tie your hands when carrying out your work. However, if your supervisor is clear-headed or has your back, these are minor issues. The partially electronic EIP system is also frustrating. Even after submitting an application online, you still have to print it out and go through a paper-based process once more. It feels very strange, right? Still, for me, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks, and I still quite like working here.