Pros
My chosen career path does not include an ever-upward climb through levels of management. I prefer a path that keeps me in the trenches, doing the craftsmanship that I love. The company understands and respects that path, and provides me with opportunities for growth, and a strong feeling of contributing, while not pushing me where I don't want to go. My opinion is valued, and my ideas are always considered, and often implemented.
I have a good working relationship with all of my co-workers. We are friendly and get along well. The occasional, inevitable, conflict is quickly resolved. There is virtually no politics, and because mistakes are generally seen as learning experiences, when one inevitably occurs, I am incentivized to own up and fix it, rather than throw someone else under the bus, or expend time and energy trying to save my own neck.
It is a family-friendly environment, where home and work life are expected to stay balanced. While there are times when extra hours are needed, they are not the norm. In many cases, too, I am free to adjust my schedule around dentist appointments, etc.
The pay is competitive, and beyond that, the perks are awesome. We have weekly catered lunches, free soda, coffee, etc. (with listening ears towards reasonable requests). We have an annual summer party where the entire family is invited, and an annual Christmas party for the employee and a guest. There is even a tolerant, even cheerful, attitude toward the not-infrequent Nerf wars that take place.
Cons
-- The desk layout is aimed towards collaboration, which unfortunately also means that it's difficult to tune out distractions.
-- With the rapid growth we are experiencing, its hard to learn everyone's name.
