Pros
Constant learning; no two days are the same High-impact client work from day one Clear, transparent career path with defined rubrics Promotions based on readiness, not scarcity Always paid, even between clients (rare downtime, though) Deeply mission-driven coworkers who are smart, collaborative, generous Culture of internal promotion; leadership all came up through the ranks
Cons
Salary transparency promises not followed through Raises are annual but conversations about pay are discouraged Salary bands are location-agnostic which tough if you live in a high-cost city Politics matter and playing the game helps you move faster Leadership can be performative, disconnected from on-the-ground work Feedback to senior leadership sometimes backfires