Pros
- Usually good work/life balance; flexible hours generally (see CONS) capped around 40 hrs / week. - Ability to work remotely as needed or even full-time; *extremely dependent* on your manager. - Fair amount of paid time off (13 holidays; 15+ vacation days; 8 sick days; 1 volunteer day). - Very good 401K options and insurance coverage (though premiums are increasing). - Limited amount of micromanagement once you've proven yourself as long as you get your work done. - Stylish, well-maintained offices with some nice amenities (kitchens, gaming, etc). - Relaxed office atmosphere with casual attire, in-office entertainment, office events/outings, etc. - Brand recognition and enterprise-level experience that look great on a resume.
Cons
- Wages are at or below market average; raises are seemingly based on your awareness of this and complaints. - 401K match (60% on 5% of salary) and stock bonuses (2.5% of salary; vests over 3yrs) are merely average. - Advancement is based on corp needs, social circles, and risk of you quitting, not just performance. - Promotions often require you to do the work (sometimes for years) before getting the title and pay. - Office politics often dictate business decisions; too much competition, sniping, and situational manipulation. - Generally outdated technology and limited ability to cross-train outside of your narrow roles/assignments. - Employee feedback largely ignored; promises (ex: continued training or assignment changes) inconsistently honored. - High level of employee turnover; yearly reorgs; frequent threat of layoffs due to corporate decline. - Emphasis on hiring entry-level, sometimes underqualified employees who cost less and will 'go with the flow.' - Diversity hiring quotas trump qualifications; diversity events (ex: women's finger painting) supercede work duties. - Mandatory nights/weekends, for weeks at a time and without compensation, enforced for some events/projects. - Decreasing amount of personal space and privacy in various offices / business units (open office concepts).