Pros: I like working at Google as an SRE (Site Reliability Engineer) because it is a job that combines my skills as a professional software engineer and self-taught system administrator. The work I do is quite varied, so I don't get bored doing the same thing over and over like I have done at other companies. Since Google is a well-established corporation, they can afford to provide some of the best benefits that other companies can't or don't provide. Unlike startups, you don't have to worry about the company going belly-up, nor do you have to work unreasonable hours. We have free food in the form of many cafes all over the area, each with a varied menu of foods. There's even a "concern" program that allows employees to call certain specialists for free advice. For example, you can ask a lawyer for some legal advice or talk to a therapist, amongst other services. The company even offers up to 3 months of paid medical leave. Aside from benefits, job security, and exciting projects, everyone there is very intelligent, and good peers/team-mates are essential in any corporation.

Cons: Large corporations have a certain bureaucracy and more red tape than startups, naturally. Promotions at Google require either someone to nominate you (which is rare) or self-nomination during regular performance review cycles. Performance review cycles are a big pain and a context interrupt. Many share this view, though it is believed to be a necessary evil.

Pros: It's a company with a conscience, and the Dilbert-esque moments are rarer than at other companies. Plus, the food is *amazing* (at least in the larger offices).

Cons: Long hours, high stress. Depending on which part of the organization you are in, expectations can be wildly different for the same job level. Promotion is a very tricky path and is done by committee. Decisions from them seem arbitrary and hard to justify. It seems to have become an unwritten rule that not seeking promotion over a 2-3 year period is unacceptable.

Pros: Lots of smart people. A team atmosphere where it seems like most people are making a difference. Unusual perks that lead to being a member of a family, a team.

Cons: Management has spoiled us in order to become the #1 Forbes-rated company. Now they think we are a bunch of entitled assholes. They created us... now they are unhappy with what they promised us to get to #1.