Working at online tech giants like Amazon and Facebook is the new American Dream for some; however, according to a recent article in The New York Times, not all of them are peaches and roses to work for.
Along with "unreasonably high" standards, Jodi Kantor and David Streitfeld wrote in the The New York Times article that current and former Amazon employees reported a working environment complete with eviscerating fellow co-workers' concepts and pushing the weak and less talented out.
One former employee said that he saw "nearly every person (he) worked with" cry on the job. Others said that if they felt like they "hit the wall," they were told to climb it.
However, for many former employees, Amazon is the place that got them to where they are now. Many told The New York Times that while it was a very taxing place to work, it could also be exhilarating.
"The nature of the work is really challenging," said Amazon recruiter Susan Harker. "For some people it doesnt work."
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos spoke out the day following the release of article, saying in a memo published on GeekWire, "The article doesnt describe the Amazon I know or the caring Amazonians I work with every day. But if you know of any stories like those reported, I want you to escalate to HR. You can also email me directly."
"I strongly believe that anyone working in a company that really is like the one described in the NYT would be crazy to stay," he went on to say. "But hopefully, you dont recognize the company described."
Fore more on Jeff Bezos' response, read his memo on GeekWire.