Company: Microsoft
Date: 2012-07-31
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current
Experience level: Junior

Allows me to be free with development while protecting me from bureaucracy
Pros: No clocking hours: As long as I get what I need done, everyone is happy. If I need to leave at 3 for an appointment, I just let someone know.

Abstraction from bureaucracy: I don't have to deal with higher levels of management. I talk to my lead and my PM, who know what I'm working on, and that's about it.

Physical work environment: I started off with a two person office. Within a few months, I had my own. Comfortable chairs, nice computer equipment.

Various benefits: Free public transit. Discounts at many restaurants and an IMAX theater downtown.

Stable: Microsoft won't be going out of business any time soon.
Cons: Location: I don't really like traveling to the east side much. If I didn't work there, I'd never cross Lake Washington. Depending on when I drive there can be lots of traffic.

Career opportunity: Promotions are rather slow and methodical. No fast tracking or anything like one would get at a smaller company