Fidelity Investments

I started as an IT contractor and was offered full-time employment. Great benefits, work from home, good people.

The word on the street is salaries are lower, but that has not been my experience. My salary is average for my position. The bonus and benefits more than make up for any shortcomings. Yes, you can make more money elsewhere, but for me, we are talking 5%.

Technology is older but not ancient. There are opportunities to learn new technologies, but they are slow to move.

It's a big place, so there are some politics and bureaucracy you must learn to navigate.

Too many "true believers" outside the I.T. group. It's almost cult-like among the managers and directors. This is not unusual, as good jobs in general are hard to find, and people outside I.T. do not have the same opportunities as I.T. folks.

Recently, I went to a new "open office" layout, and it sucks big time. If I didn't work remotely 3-4 days a week, I would not last.

If you are an I.T. professional, your skills could become dated if you are not vigilant about it.

My manager is good, so I have nothing to add here. Just maintain flexibility and minimize micromanagement.