Microsoft

Microsoft is a great and supportive place to work. The perks and benefits are world-class.

The work-life balance can also be very good if you land in the right place and you are confident enough to push back when being overloaded.

It's a good logo for the CV, but don't get too comfy.

Avoid the Industry Solutions area of Microsoft like the plague. It was previously known as Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS).

It is surplus to requirements, rudderless, and pretty pointless as a business unit.

Some managers are just pyramid builders who have no clue about tech or the industry in general. Some of them gauge their own success on team head count and nothing else.

Constant big company politics, with the need to justify your existence on a regular basis.

The UK sub of Microsoft is virtually one big sales org. Don't expect to be doing anything deeply technical, unless you land in an Engineering role, which are thin on the ground. Loads of presales, loads of shoulder surfing.

Get rid of management fat which brings no value.