Company: Microsoft
Date: 2011-09-14
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current

I have found great challenges that can be both rewarding and frustrating, but overall it has been a good place to work.
Pros: I like working with smart people.  Regardless of Microsoft's reputation to the outside world, there are really smart people working here.  I feel challenged almost every day I come to work in trying to solve real problems to deliver a product.  My work has a direct impact on millions of users and that is very satisfying.

The benefits are great with 100% healthcare for now.  A hint was made that these benefits will change in 2013 and that will cause me to look at the overall package again.
Cons: If you get stuck with a bad manager, work life can be difficult at Microsoft.  Your yearly review has way too much dependence on your lead or skip level lead.  Also, if you switch teams at the wrong time in the review cycle, this could negatively impact your review.  This can be damaging to your career at Microsoft.  It isn't necessarily fair, but working here is a choice and that comes with pros and cons.