Pros: Oracle is profitable. Database software teams are innovative. Oracle is still THE industry leader in database software. Oracle medical benefits are OK, though pricey (probably even with other companies).

Cons: At Oracle, it's all about upper management bonuses. There is little concern about employee compensation. Oracle gives "just enough" in salary and stock to be somewhat competitive, but bonuses are highly arbitrary. Upper management completely withheld bonuses from one division for years because its revenues weren't growing, while telling the sales force (in another organization) not to sell that division's products. Even if you do get a bonus, you don't know what it "means" because you don't know what others at your level received. Oracle has been unwilling to give engineers the tools to do their jobs well. * They can only get year-old laptop (or desktop) models. * They can't get large hi-res screens. * (Except in one "special" org) are forbidden to order Macs. Many employees have spent $2500 out of their own pockets for a Mac, and others have spent hundreds in order to get a good hi-res monitor. (Though if you're ever in a meeting of VPs, almost *all* of them have Macs). Oracle 401(k) matching is poor. I think it's 100% match up to 3% of salary, then only 50% up to 6% of salary. So, the total match maxes out at 4.5% of salary. Oracle overwhelmingly likes to hire new college grads, then let them gain experience at Oracle. It only seems to gain experienced staff through acquisitions.

Pros: Oracle is a solid/secure company.

Cons: Oracle has little potential for job changes.

Pros: Smart and nice colleagues, especially in the UK. Comfortable and inclusive of being a minority in UK offices.

Cons: Lower PTO compared to other companies in the UK. Top-down decision from the US.