Pros
I have been with the company since 2009. Compared to the other two storage companies that I have worked for, I will say that Extra Space has offered better pay and benefits (health insurance/401K) and I have a decent amount of paid time off that I can use throughout the year. We do not work on Sundays and have 4 major paid holidays off. I like the combination of office and "outside" responsibilities, you are not just sitting in a cubicle all day staring at a computer screen. For the most part you are on your own and have to be a self starter and good with managing your time. It's nice that "the boss" isn't standing over your shoulder and breathing down your neck every day. Most sites offer a "free" apartment for the store manager to reside in (that has it's own pros & cons in itself). Honestly, if it wasn't for the apartment I wouldn't even work here just because the pay by itself is too low for me to afford to pay rent elsewhere.
Cons
Because of Extra Space's high standards, they expect A LOT and that means A LOT of work. I have no problem with getting my hands dirty and doing minor maintenance and painting BUT when you mostly work alone...that is a huge problem. If you have what is considered a small property, you will be by yourself most of the time. This is very challenging when you are expected to take care of customers, do paperwork, answer the phone at all times, make bank runs, and maintain the property. I feel that only having one person allows things to be neglected and does not let my site reach its full potential. Also, some of the things that we are expected to do on the properties because the company wants to save money is ridiculous. For example, stripping and waxing floors and painting parking lot lines should be left to professionals. There is not to big of employee turn around at the site level but due to the constant redistricting of sites among other reasons, I have had quite a few different District Managers. Constantly having to get to know a new supervisor is exhausting. Our incentive program is a joke. If you have a great year and your property performance is great you will have little to no chance the following year making a bonus because of the unrealistic goals that they set for you. We keeping being told year after year that they are going to be restructuring the incentive program but I am certainly not holding my breath.
