Pros
- Benefits not bad. At the salaried level stock options are offered which increased my net income this year by over 10% - Internal and external offered opportunities exist. Cree has been hiring while other companies have been laying off. - Cree's business and market share is definitely growing. - Cree has very little "fat". It is very efficient and usually gets the optimal ROI from its people and equipment. - Promotions and career advancement exist for those willing to make personal sacrifices.
Cons
- 60 hrs/week is viewed as a minimum - The company's inclement weather policy is "we never close"; Even when there is 8" of snow on the ground. - Time off is contingent upon upper managements mood. If they feel a department needs to make a better showing of effort (even if it is simply for the purpose of just being seen) you will be at work regardless of the day of the year. This applies to Christmas and other traditional holidays. - Work environment is optimal only for single workaholics with no social life outside of work. - At the salaried level, if you're in a manufacturing position, you are on call 24/7/365. - At the wage level, 12 hour shifts are the norm and often coupled with additional mandatory 12hr work days. - Expanded manufacturing overseas may soon decrease the size of Cree's domestic work force.