I'm currently dealing with precisely this exact scenario and database. Dated Mongo, homegrown ORM, a closet full of opaque hacks that are apparently all related to some MongoDB feature, etc. And I don't know if this is a cultural issue with MongoDB users, but my god the database has its hooks throughout the stack, all the way to the UI. It is amazing to see shit like this in 2019 and I've seen some heaps over the past few decades in this field.
But the optimism point resonated. Before reading your comment, I actually reflected on whether I am being pessimistic. I'll tell you why: at this point in the game, cleaning up the software would effectively require a rewrite. And the company is in no position to do this. They do not have the talent, leadership, or effective recruiting necessary to undertake a meaningful second system effort.
So I think I've come to the realization that the job is a poor fit and I should move on, but while I am here it actually wouldn't help pointing out the obvious issues with the system. There really is no point.
But the optimism point resonated. Before reading your comment, I actually reflected on whether I am being pessimistic. I'll tell you why: at this point in the game, cleaning up the software would effectively require a rewrite. And the company is in no position to do this. They do not have the talent, leadership, or effective recruiting necessary to undertake a meaningful second system effort.
So I think I've come to the realization that the job is a poor fit and I should move on, but while I am here it actually wouldn't help pointing out the obvious issues with the system. There really is no point.