Microsoft

If you are a junior, out of college, Microsoft is a great place to start your career. Lots of smart people and mentors to learn from, lots of trainings and resources. Good pay and benefits. No major disturbances.

After senior (63) and above, you spend most (literally easily 60%) dealing with politics. You'll be making sure you look good, watching out for yourself, covering your back, and building alliances.

If you choose to stay blind, you may survive if you have good management and they do these for you. Otherwise, no matter how good you are or how much great work you do, you may find yourself thrown under the bus very fast and unexpectedly. Even your manager may not be able to save you.

Politics are everywhere, don't get me wrong. However, since only highly political people can survive, senior and above is dominated and ruled by people who have their political empires. What matters most (and sometimes what only matters) is where you are on this political map.

It's a minefield for technical people. It also kills your technical savvy over time and makes you irrelevant for the rest of the industry.

If you choose to stay at MS at senior levels for extended periods, make sure you are still marketable or you become the slave of this system.

Laying off ICs does not solve the root of the problems. Resolve the sick culture in middle management.