Intel

Intel acquired my company but kept it a separate entity, retaining the same management and structure. That was a huge benefit. The bonuses we got, particularly the so-called retention bonus, were a nice addition to our former salaries as an independent company. The ESOP and ESPP, and the three different annual bonuses, increased every salary with extras. All in all, Intel was generous, if not reaching the level of the largest startups in terms of compensation.

First and foremost, Intel instability is a major drawback to anyone who seeks stability. My acquired company was closed by Intel as part of the cutoffs.

Then there are all kinds of bureaucracy that accompanies everything you need from the company, from a simple HR query to expense reimbursement and many online courses about ethics and codes of conduct.