Pros
We work 7.5 hours days. You are required to take a 1 hour lunch every day. We have great benefits, and incredible holidays! When I started at the State, I was very proud to be there.
Cons
In many ways, your hands are tied by the politics, and bureaucracy. You can only do so much, and as quickly as the system will allow. From a private sector standpoint, it seems like we are moving so slowly, but there are so many hoops to jump through the process is going as quickly as it can. It can be frustrating. The worst part of working for the State is the perception so many people have that all State employees are lazy, unmotivated etc. Some of my coworkers who have been there longer than I have feel that listing the State on your resume as work experience can hurt you more than help. I'm not jaded quite to that point yet, but it is an honest concern of mine.