Microsoft

• Ability to make a huge impact in the industry.
• Great work/life balance.
• Large diversity of teams to choose from.
• Creative environment, yet results-centric.
• Great people!
• Culture of creativity and lots of constructive self-criticism (despite what you might read on the web).

Compared with more "nimble" companies, things get done at a slower pace, sometimes much slower. Three-year shipping cycles are not uncommon, although this has recently started to change.

It takes time for junior employees to grow in level and make a larger impact (this depends on the group, though).

It's a career-centric company, although you could find a group that behaves like a startup.

Certain teams are dedicated to maintaining software, not shipping new stuff (which might be okay for some). Be careful which team you choose.

I feel (and many others do) that the company doesn't learn fast enough from big mistakes made by middle management.

• More courage to take big bold bets.
• Learn from failures faster and don't attempt to "cover up".