Pros: The work environment is very transparent. People treat each other with respect. All the co-workers are fun and friendly. Zillow gives awesome parties. There is a happy hour every other week with company-sponsored beer, wine, and food. It is well-stocked with game tables like darts, air hockey, pool, mini golf, ping pong, etc. They cater dinners and lunches regularly if people are working late. Of course, they provide free food and sodas.

Cons: Be prepared for some very hectic work schedules. Senior management can have some unreasonable expectations, and the release schedules are extremely aggressive. It can take its toll after a while; many people can end up feeling burned out. The work-life balance is good, but not great.

Pros: The employees and the atmosphere. Having worked at large software companies before, I appreciated Zillow's open policy about everything. Even when the news isn't great, senior management is very professional about how they discuss things and they welcome an open discussion. Over time, this transparency exposed me to every aspect of managing the business outside of my job description and expectations. This is something I would have never seen from the aforementioned large software companies.

Cons: Restructuring the company to better handle a global slowdown in advertisement markets, Zillow recently went through a reduction in force (RIF). This sudden and drastic change greatly affects the company's makeup, its culture, and it unavoidably drains the company of senior talent and "tribal" knowledge. Rapid development and execution of ideas were largely a result of throwing lots of resources at a problem. Rather than rely on the product development team to quickly innovate and then refine an idea, execution of a plan was often bogged down quibbling over minor details. Almost making the argument for the RIF, a smaller team with less oversight could deliver a similar, if not quite as polished, product in less time.

Pros: For the most part, I enjoyed my time at Zillow. They are concerned about career growth, creating an environment of impactful work and inclusion.

Cons: Constant org changes provide an opportunity for you to work for the wrong manager/director. In my case, it ultimately ended my career.