Pros
The amount of paid time off I now receive is exceptional, and the 401k match is great. Overall I would say the salary/hourly compensation compared to other credit unions is above average. In the almost 10 years I have definitely had a lot of life events happen, and my leader was always willing to work around them, and that direction has been supported from the CEO on down through the organization. I was able to start in the organization as a Financial Services Rep, and work my way up to Management. For the most part I have really enjoyed working at Michigan First, and the vast majority of the people I have worked with are great to be around. I came to Michigan First from a company that was 100 percent sales driven, and while sales are important to Michigan First, service is just as important. I have never felt pressure to put someone into a product or service that was not of their benefit. I believe in needs based selling and this culture is a big reason of why I have stayed. Also working in the In-Store environment I was able to work many Saturdays and have more one on one time with my child during the week, and save on child care. It has also been great to develop many relationships with so many members that are very loyal to you and Michigan First. It is very rewarding when they have a life event that impacts their finances and you are the first person they call for help and advice.
Cons
In the in-store environment your level of staffing is ideally 5, and you are open 6 days a week. In that past it has been a struggle that if a team member gets promoted, transfer or leave you have to replace 20 percent of your staffing levels to cover a 6 day week while maintaining a solid life/work balance. On the bright side with the rapid growth of the credit union there are now many more branches and so many branch leaders are willing to cover and help the holes in your staffing schedule, but that doesn't mean it isn't stressful at times. Also because of the later night hours, and weekends I have had to make the some choices to miss certain family functions or events that were not perhaps as important as others, but that can really happen with any job. It is just maybe slightly more noticeable when you work weekends and until at least 7 on weekdays. Plus as I mentioned above there are many positives that come with working nights/weekends.