Typical corporate scheme, sad people abundant, and Redlands is located in the middle of the desert.
Pros
The best thing that Esri did for me was teach me what I don't want to do with the rest of my life. So thank you Esri! Best of luck to you all in the dry desert! I always thought it was funny that Google Maps colored the rivers blue where they trailed through Redlands on the map, because those rivers definitely don't have any water. The Esri "campus" has an abundant assortment of vegetation to keep you shaded, but of course the offset is an unnecessary hydrological burden on the local water supply. So much for being an environmental company. Also at Esri, you'll have the joy of being surrounded by many other transplants just like yourself, most of whom left their extended families thousands of miles behind to develop this so-called business career. Esri is grateful. Esri will fly you to all sorts of conferences, so that you can convince people that they, too, need GIS, even if you convince them to buy things that they clearly don't need or understand. If they have a checkbook and a pen, then you have a reason to talk with them. Esri sells to just about anybody and works with distributors all over the planet to sell its software. You will definitely sharpen your corporate skills at this company, but keep in mind that Pink Floyd wrote a marvelous song called "Dogs" just to clarify the truth behind corporate lifestyle. But you do get a decent benefits package; although you're not vested (meaning, able to keep your company matched 401K contribution) until you've worked at Esri for 6 years. That said, if you can boost the customer base and generate revenue, then you will have a bright future here. Don't expect a promotion, but expect that the company will keep you. But will you keep it? Redlands has about 60,000 people; it's a cute town. If you live in town, you will have a very short commute. Many people can walk to work in less than 20 minutes. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Cons
Esri takes the "E" out of Environmental. Or both E's. This is a software company that hides behind it's name and pretty maps. The company will let you work yourself to the bone if you let it. 60+ hour work weeks were totally possible, depending on the tempo. Don't believe in the fantasy that Esri is the 'cream of the crop' in GIS. It often times doesn't seem like a GIS company; they could be selling beachballs or plastic forks. Much of their focus is an online version of GIS that can be manipulated by users that don't even know anything about GIS. If you think that non-cartographers should be making maps that influence policy and decision making, then you fit the Esri business model. If you're looking to use GIS skills, then you should look elsewhere. Very few people in this company need to be skilled in GIS. Your true skills will help you get a job here, but those skills along with your deeper passion for GIS will likely perish. But as I said, you're job here is to create customers, retain customers, and pretend that ESRI and GIS are synonyms. It's fantasy land for people who want to live a fantasy. That's applicable to the broader context of southern California, btw. The general population density of southern California is ridiculous; expect to experience a lot of competitive inconvenience based solely on the fact that more than 20 million people live in southern California. The landscape is better suited for lizards than for mammals, but because of abusive water rights the people are able to thrive. Let's see if that lasts during the 21st century. I only bring this up, because numerous locals took the time to tell me that growing up in a place like Redlands is the only way that you could ever think of a place like the greater Los Angeles area as normal. in order for Redlands to ever seem normal. These are all relevant parts of the job experience, right? Partying reigns supreme in southern California, but maybe that's what you're looking for. Not only is alcohol legal at just about every store in California, it's practically mandatory. You'll definitely learn your demons in southern California. Think twice before you cash in a different opportunity to come here, unless you're working a contract job in Afghanistan. It's better than that.