Pros
The people on the ground. They are committed to the clients and to others on their teams. There are some nice side benefits like free snacks/drinks and fun (if not pointless) conferences. We have an immediate impact on users and citizens. Love the rapid development. 10% company paid medical. (Though if you're having surgery, research it first...there are some standard procedures on most plans that NIC's doesn't cover)
Cons
In the last five years, the company has grown quickly. Instead of recognizing that maybe they should step back and see if there is a better way to run the business as they move from a small to mid-size company, the leadership has plowed full steam ahead with old ideas and people (VPs and GMs) who no longer succeed in today's environment. The executive leadership (mostly the COO and the VPs) pushes the divisions to the breaking point. They expect start up growth in a company 20+ years old. They demand employees, especially the developers, to be "innovative" but they must do it on top of keeping all the regular deadlines. In other words, "we demand you take time away from your family to do something that the VP will take credit for if it's a really good idea." The self-funded model as it was initially designed is not working as well as it did. The states recognize how to get around parts of their contracts and NIC doesn't fight back. They always cave.