They like to be intentionally vague about details and facts until you’ve become an employee and then the truth comes out. Examples: If you ask a recruiter about benefits they’ll tell you about unlimited PTO and a 401k plan. However, once you start you’ll find out that the they don’t actually believe in unlimited PTO, instead they describe time off as discretionary which you should only need to use if you are burnt out (and, according to Toptal, that won’t happen in your first year). However, they will provide you numerous examples of how you can work during your vacation, and will emphasize how little time off you actually need to take.
Then you’ll find out that while, yes, they have a 401k plan they do not match any contributions. Instead of matching they have a profit sharing program. Don’t plan on getting any details about that either, they can’t tell you how they calculate profit sharing or any general guidelines about the program.
Finally, for anyone who has actually worked at a fast-paced company you’ll quickly realize that their definition of fast-paced is completely different than everybody else, processes are clunky and inefficient but it’s the “Toptal Way” so don’t question it.
Bottom line: Do your research of Toptal vs other distributed companies. You’ll easily see the benefits offered and culture established at the other companies is head and shoulders above Toptal so set your standards low and you won’t be as disappointed. Get in, get experience working remotely, then move on.
