Pros
There are genuinely good people to work alongside here. I have met coworkers that I will hopefully have friendships with for the rest of my life. If you are looking for a place with average benefits, this will be fine for you. The only benefit that I think actually somewhat stands out is the PTO - 3.5 weeks annually for the first 5 years, after that 5 weeks annually until 10 years then 6 weeks. All other benefits pretty much signify "we do this to keep up but we don't need to go above and beyond". Hybrid work is the official policy, though people are still hired fully remote. It's a bit inconsistent across departments on how the hybrid model is actually executed, but if you work for a good manager, there is great flexibility as long as you have strong performance. In general, career growth is dynamic here. It could actually do with some more consistency around job expectations and promotion opportunities. However, unless you are coming in at the very top, you will have plenty of opportunities to grow here. Innovation and change are encouraged and appreciated. You truly have the ability to suggest new ways to do something, and you can own that proposal.
Cons
We've been in "tough times" for a while now. Do I have concerns of lay offs? No. Do I trust that our company can actually hit our annual goals for performance bonuses? Also no. When you are sold in the offer letter on how much you could make with your incentive compensation, be sure to ask about what last year's payout % was and the historical 4-year average. Clarity from executive leadership is worsening. We report to a leader who is obsessed the newest shiny things but has no patience to properly evaluate and actually implement with the limited resources. They just want you to say yes to their amazing idea. One day you think you know your priorities, the next you are sidetracked into a new random project and everything changes at the expense of other departments who depend on us. It goes beyond simply being agile.... it's lack of direction, purpose, and consistency. I wish I could say my manager is able to clarify it, but they have not been empowered to lead and make decisions, despite actually having the expertise. The concept of going above and beyond and doing it better than ever before and better than anyone else is a one-way street. We are expected to give 110% to the company, but the company will only offer a benefit if we can prove enough industry peers have the same thing. If we want to hire the best and brightest, maybe we should offer comp & benefits that actually stand above competition! Stance on the company's DEI work seems to be a performative thing of the past. I remember being so proud when our company formed the initiative in 2020, and now its impact is murky at best. This company that is supposedly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion doesn't even recognize the two federal holidays that stand for said things. Serious social injustices in our nation are not addressed, even when they are impacting in the very places we have communities. "Diversity of thought" is used as a politically correct crutch to avoid actually having to face difficult realities. Continental will always do what is "easy" (doesn't offend, protects brand, prioritizes profits) over what is right and just. So maybe it's like most corporations out there; I just once believed we were better.
