Pros: - Good benefits, good benefits, good benefits. - Time-off is flexible and good, but that is because it is not a startup and no one really has a fire burning under their arses. Personally, I prefer driven people who drive hard and then after that play hard.

Cons: Innovation is stymied unless you have a degree to prove that you are capable of innovation. If you are a PhD, you can innovate during your regular work hours, and it is respected and time accounted for. If you are a Master's, forget innovation during regular work hours; you will have to work extra hours for that, and who wants to do that unless you are a crackhead scientist working for the betterment of humanity. Compensation is pretty bad compared to the industry, and promotions and raises are subject to your manager fighting for you with upper management. This won't happen if you get on the wrong side of your manager, say for personal reasons. So, there's no concept of peer reviews holding any water.

Pros: Good work-life balance if you can get housing nearby. Opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. With Balmer's departure, things can only get better.

Cons: Salary is so-so. Middle management culture. Traffic in greater Seattle is a nightmare.

Pros: Benefits, salary. Very large company. If you're lucky to be on the right team, you'll be working on some of the most cutting-edge technologies.

Cons: If you're unlucky and end up in the wrong team, life isn't going to be good. :)