A high-ranking technology consultant who is frequently contracted to work with Microsoft bigwigs on projects says the company pushes many of its techies to burnout levels. The consultant questions a recent article in the Wall Street Journal that said Microsoft is softening its image and hiring kinder, more empathic managers. I've heard from reliable sources that Microsoft is still all about hiring the best of the best and pares its workforce by 5 percent each year so it can bring in fresh blood. But trying to get information about Microsoft's compensation structure can be likened to attempting to break into the White House. Its battalions of spokespeople will tell you it hasn't changed following the stock market drop.
Myth has it that the software giant pays better than the industry average.
The allure is the stock option plan, which employees insist will turn around. That means stockholders would be sitting pretty holding shares of several companies. The majority of employees still believe their stock options could make them millionaires. The belief is that Microsoft, like dozens of other tech stocks, will rebound back to prior levels. Despite Microsoft's troubles and an ever-active rumor mill, you'd be foolish not to try winning a job there.