Pros
-Aligned with mission: personally, I think it's nice to work in a company that is working to be successful without being an advertising company. For most, the constant obsession with improving the product and our internal procedures is probably the biggest draw. If you have a good idea, MGMT is very receptive to criticism of the status quo, and moves quickly to improve. Sense of ownership over work. -People: Biggest perk is the people -- really enjoy spending time with my colleagues. Very familial. I am in a satellite office (Austin) so I don't know if this is the same as in SF, but it is very closely knit here. Also - I'm gay, and it has never come up as an issue (not that I am very surprised, but it is worth noting). We have a very supportive queer community in the office, going to LGBT events in town, etc. I rarely feel like an outsider, even though most of the office is straight. -Work-life: Although my colleagues are all very hard workers, they also have a lot going on outside of work. One has a top-rated EE Cummings poetry blog, another is working on releasing a rock EP, or is playing a show at a bar down the road, or is doing standup comedy, or inviting people to go volunteer at a local school, or go to an art show etc etc... everyone has an interesting life outside of work, and really cares about engaging with Austin. I think that is rare in a lot of organizations, where the conveniences offered by an office, and the drive to succeed, isolate employees from forming roots where they life. -Hiring: I have done some interviewing for prospective candidates, and the training is very value-oriented. I think we attract top talent, sure, but if the person doesn't contribute in some way, or bring a diverse viewpoint into the organization, then the talents will not meant as much. Good balance of finding good workers + human beings. Makes me comfortable to know that, as we grow, the org will still be filled with people you care about, outside of work relationships. -Transparency: management is super, super open. This might change as we grow, but they work hard to keep everyone in the loop.
Cons
The rate of change here is very fast -- which is great in many ways (rarely boring, easy to address flaws, etc) and is something I was attracted to at first. However, it is a bit hard to imagine what my career will look like a year out. Again, the unknowing is part of the charm, but can be a bit frustrating when you are trying to plan for the future. It's impossible to know what opportunities will arise (or disappear)