Apparently They've Never Seen "Office Space"
Pros
As everyone always says "great benefits". But are these worth it? A lot of friendly co-workers at same level (bottom of the totem pole).
Cons
Managers are complete tools. Almost every one of them is a total chair-warmer: you have to sit on your chair for about 12 years to get promoted to these positions, and then and only after someone retires or DIES will you have a chance at promotion. Technology is well behind the curve so if you ever do make the jump back to the real working world, your skills will be lackluster. This is one of the reasons why some people never leave. The other is that, it's nice and comfortable if you get the right job, and no one will bother you when you come in to warm your chair. No work-from-home opportunities for most departments. You have to drive however long to get to work, find a parking spot (expensive unless you park off site) and then sit there, even though you could do your job remotely. Of course there ARE some departments that would let you work from home, but those are niche, and others are green with envy of those privileged and rather secretive departments. Here's my story (this was only at my last position, previous positions were slightly better): I worked in a newly adjoined piece of ACMS known as Advancement. The manager didn't have to answer to anyone yet, and was a total megalomaniac. Harassment and bullying are the management style that I was subjected to, mixed with a total undermining of my skills, 100% micromanagement, non-trust, and thievery of my assets. Why this last bit? Because I was expected to "donate" my own resources of my car (gas and mileage), my personal cel phone, and get an $81/month parking pass even though the U condones alternative transportation via shuttle, bus, or bicycle. I was prohibited from utilizing these because my manager expected me to run around spending my own money for his edification. He was too much of a drip to ask his supervisors for financial support and therefore passed the buck to his employees, knowing they'd shut up and do what he expected. Nary was there any mention of reimbursement for any of these resources. Wow, from what I've heard, managers are supposed to protect and support their personnel, and empower them to do their jobs. Not here. Also, I worked for 3 departments (part as a career employee, part as a UCSD TES employee) over 4 years. I was paid the exact same salary for 4 solid years (under $50,000), and I've been in my career for 16 years. You might as well join the Navy. I would have been better off if I'd scrubbed dishes in a bar and worked my way up to management in the time. In summary, my positions were increasingly worse from year to year at UCSD. It's a sad statement, I know. I tried to show professionalism and some semblance of leadership skills, but received only animosity in return. People with lower english-speaking abilities and zero writing skills are retained because of Affirmative Action. Any qualified people are scrutinized and passed over (reverse discrimination).
