Disappointing experience in a talented team – silenced by process, not performance
Pros
The team I worked with was exceptionally talented, friendly, and collaborative. I enjoyed the creative challenges and opportunities to learn across different pipelines. I had the chance to contribute to some meaningful projects and lead up to 15 freelancers in delivery support roles. Work-life balance and benefits were decent, and the studio promoted a social, team-oriented culture.
Cons
Despite consistently positive feedback, strong performance, and direct contributions to project success, I was selected for redundancy without meaningful explanation or evidence. Communication around redundancy was impersonal and lacked transparency. I was given a score but no substantiated breakdown until I formally submitted a GDPR Subject Access Request. Scoring decisions appeared to be influenced heavily by project assignment status, not actual capability or potential — penalising those who had less visibility or were not already “placed.” Having under two years of service meant I had little legal protection, and it felt like this fact made me an easier target during a difficult business period. Requests for fairness were met with defensiveness rather than reflection. It left me feeling erased rather than valued — despite working hard, stepping up, and supporting others.