Bad Companies to Avoid | How to Spot a Toxic Employer

Hey guys, in this article I want to talk about something really important - the kind of companies you should think twice before joining. In other words, we’re going to talk about bad employers and how to recognize them before it’s too late.

Let me start with something I used to believe when I was just starting out: the bigger the company, the better.

I thought the global giants with tens of thousands of employees were the only companies worth working for, and that small companies were unprofessional. But over the years I started to see things differently.

Yes, working for a major company can open a lot of doors, especially if you’re young and want to build a strong resume. They may offer international projects, stronger systems, and brand recognition.

But small companies can surprise you too. One small company I worked for, with a few hundred employees, had a very supportive management team. They offered proper training, gave decent bonuses, and treated their staff like people - not just numbers. The CEO used to come and talk to people personally.

So don’t ignore small companies. Some people say “never work for a small company” but that’s not always true. If you’re looking for experience or a short-term role, why not? But if you’re aiming for long-term stability, then yes, a larger and more stable company might be the safer choice.

Now let’s talk about something important, especially in industries like oil and gas or heavy industry. You usually have two main types of companies:

• Operators - the owners of the project

• Contractors - service providers

I always recommend this: if you can work for the operator, choose the operator. Why? Because operators control the money, the timelines, the contracts, and the entire project flow. Contractors, on the other hand, are often under pressure to cut costs, deliver faster, and do more with less.

And there’s one more group worth mentioning: equipment manufacturers. These are companies that produce the machines - compressors, turbines, control systems, piping equipment, and so on. These companies don’t always have to follow the operator’s rules, because operators depend on them. Manufacturers are often more independent, and they usually pay very well. So if you get the chance to work for a strong, reputable manufacturer, take it seriously.

Let’s say you’ve received a job offer. What should you do?

Don’t sign the contract blindly. Do your homework.

A cool logo and a shiny website don’t mean anything if people are miserable inside the company. A small unknown company might actually offer better growth, support, and income.

And no job is worth your mental health or your time.

So always do your research, talk to people, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away from an offer if something doesn’t feel right.

Learning to spot flags that indicate deeper problems and recognizing early warning signs can save you years of frustration and help you avoid making a costly career mistake.

And if you’re looking to build an international career or want my personal guidance, there’s a link down below. I’d love to help you take the next step.