A political mess and everything you hated about high school
Pros
Brand recognition (but it doesn't pay the bills) Cool perks (cool at first but don't make up for working around the clock)
Cons
The reviewer who last called SEL toxic absolutely nailed it all in their review. This place is truly toxic. The hours you are required to work, coupled with the worst of corporate politics, high school like behavior and mentality just make a career here unsustainable. Case in point: SEL cannot hold onto its "best and brightest". The outstanding performers who make a difference continue to walk with no effort seemingly made to retain them. "The good ones never stay" has become a sad mantra for those who have watched the departures. Sony has become a very hollow place - it's all about image and window dressing and, like the shiny products, there is nothing meaty to back it up. Employees have very little distinction between personal and professional lives - it becomes one because all you do is work - and way, way below market rate. It's mind blowing to find out what former colleagues are making once they leave. Then there are the exhausting politics. You'll find politics anywhere in life but it is over the top at SEL. It's a full time job to keep up with the backstabbing and mind games. The worst part is you'll find people even at the VP and above level responsible for stirring the pot. If you let employees spend more time focused on the job at hand and less on politics, the company may stand a chance. There are very few to look to in the way of mentors or to even learn management skills from. Some higher ups have spent their entire lives working for only Sony and have coasted along with little skill and no ongoing development. They continue to enjoy the ride while the compnay sinks. Is anyone paying attention?? I plan to be one of the next to leave.
