Pros: Google has plenty of talented engineers, impressive computational infrastructure and resources, and the culture to build products that make big impacts. Working for Google is an ideal starting point for young engineers or new graduates. There are plenty of challenging problems to solve, and you have the flexibility to choose the projects that interest you most. I am not saying that you can give up the current project at any time; it is responsible to finish the projects that were started, but you are encouraged to switch projects every 1 to 2 years, or at least, you can do the "fun" things with your 20% time.

Cons: If you want to be prompted sooner than the majority, and you are not lucky enough to work in a highly visible project, then you have to pay much more than usual to beat the performance of others, because others are good too.

Pros: 1. You get the 20% good by taking in the 80% bad. 2. Most people would kindly help you out. 3. Amazing learning resources if you are actively looking to learn something. 4. Micro kitchens and coffee bars are great.

Cons: 1. You'll meet some full-time coworkers who treat contractors unprofessionally and rudely, yet there's no one within Google you can complain to about it. 2. Restricted access to any work "gatherings," so no party, no dinner, or any offsite activities. This is fine, but if you've accidentally been invited to a Googler event, someone will police this and ask you to leave, rubbing salt into the wound. 3. Slow-to-respond XWF teams; it takes weeks to get the basic stuff like the computer, seat assignment, and badge access. 4. Uncertain employment status for contractors. They won't let you know whether your contract is extended or not until the very last week. At-will employment, so be ready to face sudden termination and get locked out without any notice.

Pros: Good pay, excellent work-life balance, amazing people.

Cons: At times, work can be repetitive.