Pros
Highest levels of effort across the board: most every person, in every area, exerts to do the job. Sometimes in my daily life I experience frustration because of how used I got to people going out of their way to get things done. Demanding standards: average takes a whole new meaning here. Doing your best is not an achievement, is merely your job. Being adequate here means you'd be a top performer almost everywhere else. Achievement is rewarded with higher expectations. Comradery: there is a sense of 'we are all in this boat together', both in a mental and emotional way. And any close friendship you make here will last a lifetime.
Cons
Effort is measured by long hours: this culture is really terrible, because it is top down, and it really gets ingrained on you. The upside is that almost any other place will actually feel less demanding in this sense. Slow advancement: unless you're deemed a superstar (and even then you can fall out of fashion), promotions will be scarce and spaced. Org is really flat, there is little churning out of managers, experience is highly valued. Psychology of the corporation: picture a severe parent who is always expecting the best and making you feel you are a disappointment. Tough love. But you keep trying, because what you truly desire is to keep chasing, not to actually make it there.
