Many of our teammates — from developers to team leads — have been with us for almost 20 years, starting back when the whole company could fit in one room and growing together as Softjourn expanded across the globe.
We sat down with three of our long-time team members — Oleh Udovytskyi, Viktor Prytula, and Andriy Jakymiv.
Between them, they’ve logged more than 45 years at Softjourn. So we asked one simple question: Why have you stayed so long?
Their stories reveal that it’s not just about projects or technology — it’s about the people, trust, and shared passion that turn a workplace into a community.
From 10 to 300: Growing Without Losing Ourselves
“I joined about a year after the office was founded,” recalls Viktor Prytula, who has been with Softjourn for almost 20 years. “There were just around 10 of us. Now we’re closer to 300.”
That kind of growth usually changes everything. But according to Viktor and others, some things, the important things, have stayed the same.
“The internal culture of the company has remained pretty much the same,” says Andriy Jakymiv, who started in 2007. “Open communication, a horizontal structure, no excessive micromanagement — it’s still familiar and comfortable.”
A Culture of Openness, Support, and Mentorship
Everyone we spoke with emphasized how Softjourn’s work culture is based on support, not pressure. From one-on-one mentorships to spontaneous help from colleagues, the company has cultivated a space where people actually want to grow and help others do the same.
“I was lucky to work with very experienced people,” says Oleh Udovytskyi, a senior developer who rejoined Softjourn after working elsewhere. “They shared advice that changed how I approach my work — things I still apply today.”
One moment that stood out to Oleh was his regular one-on-ones with a career coach:
“Even 30 minutes could answer every question I had. That was something I really appreciated. Even when I spent a year working at a large, well-known company, I really missed that. The company had a big name and a solid reputation, but it wasn’t any better — not in size, not in quality — than the people I worked with here.
From my experience working at several companies, I can say that Softjourn has always strived to make the best product. The company's attitude toward product quality is very high – it strives to do its best. And these aren't just words; I've seen it and continue to see it in real life.”
Learning at Softjourn often happens outside of formal settings, too — through internal presentations on tech, psychology, or work approaches, or simply chatting with teammates. It’s a community where curiosity is contagious.
Friendship That Outlasts Projects
For Viktor, many of his closest friendships started inside the office, and they’ve only grown deeper over time.
“We worked on projects together, but also went hiking, traveled, even became godparents to each other's kids,” he shares. “Those friendships lasted beyond the office. We still spend time together outside of work.”
Even now, those relationships continue. Whether it’s grabbing lunch, collaborating on a tough problem, or just checking in, relationships are the heartbeat of the culture.
Even in everyday work, this closeness shows up in simple ways.
“Sometimes you just say, ‘Hey, can you help me with this?’ — and they do,” says Oleh. “That’s something I value a lot.”
Growth with Autonomy and Trust
Growth at Softjourn isn’t forced. It’s encouraged — and up to you to own.
“The company provides courses, frameworks, and plans,” Viktor explains, “but in the end, your progress depends on you.”
Andriy echoes that:
Whether it’s learning a new tech stack, leading a team, or deepening a specialization, Softjourn creates the space for growth that lets people chart their own path — without micromanagement or unnecessary pressure.
There’s one more reason people stay — and it might surprise you.
Softjourn isn’t pretending to be a “family.”
That kind of transparency is rare. And it creates something more sustainable than forced loyalty — it builds mutual respect.
“I’ve stayed here 18 years without ever needing to leave,” Viktor adds. “That says a lot.”
So, Why Do People Stay?
Each person we spoke with used different words to describe Softjourn.
For Oleh, it’s skill, home, and team.
For Andriy, it's simply: Keep it up.
For Viktor, it’s the people — past and present — who’ve shaped his journey.
But they all agree: at the heart of Softjourn is a culture of genuine connection, steady growth, and a deep respect for both the craft and the individual.
In a world full of short stints and rapid exits, this kind of staying power says something.
Maybe you won’t stay with us for 20 years.
But if you’re looking for a place where people do — Softjourn might be it.
