Company: Microsoft
Date: 2014-10-28
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Senior

Microsoft provides the full scope of the software industry, from hardware design to SaaS.
Pros: There are still small teams where one has significant influence on ultimate outcome.
Engineers can thrive in huge organizations by taking ownership of their deliverables. 
Great benefits, really, even with the 2014 HSA changes.
Cons: Perception that a linear career path means an employee is incapable, when many folks like to keep their hands 'dirty.' 
Also, without a large management defection, there are fewer options for upward mobility for higher 'levelled' employees (65+). As opposed to the current middle management reduction that should never be backfilled. 
Performance process hinders synergy and work/life balance. 
Changes to the review process have started, but it will be interesting to see how the new system is deployed and how employees are rewarded, when so many organizational changes are in play. That is, how much can leads put into employees, while wondering if their team is next on the chopping block.