Pros
I got paid very well at ZOO and enjoyed other benefits such as free city centre parking, employee shares and training/development opportunities. It was a fun, high energy company to work for. Great parties and socialising amongst the team. I feel honoured to have worked under CEO, Stuart Green. One of the most intelligent yet down to earth human beings I've ever met. I learned so much working there and have maintained contact with former colleagues as friends. Since leaving, I use ZOO as the benchmark against which I compare any new employment. I have discovered that it takes some doing for other northern UK companies to measure up.
Cons
Unfortunately, I was made redundant when the company restructured. Gutted as I was, I totally supported their decision both then and now. That company is full of highly technical, super intelligent people. It can be daunting for non-techies in supporting roles. I was also so engaged with the company and its mission that I fear if I'd not been turfed out that I might have delayed motherhood longer than was sensible to avoid having a big stretch of time off. That sector moves very fast. You can sometimes find yourself working unsociable hours to take calls or meet deadlines related to their global activities.
