Pros
University benefits are comparably good.
Cons
Advancement perpetuates an insular, toxic culture. Across offices and at varying levels, egos and agendas are at play more often working toward common outcomes. Petty political power struggles make the work unduly entrenched and difficult to move forward. There is an invisible playbook of abuse and manipulation. Some experience a deceptive bait and switch in terms of their jobs, they are set up to fail, or they are put in a position to be abused and manipulated and then victim-blamed in turn. Those without power, who don't fit the mold, who speak up in self-advocacy or resist the culture are vulnerable to victimization. Tactics run the gamut: high-school games of in group/out group, unprofessional and inappropriate gossip, shunning and ostracizing, humiliation, retaliation, sabotage/thwarting, manipulation in many forms, secrets, intentional omission and withholding, bankrupt assumptions, favoritism, sexist dog-whistles, campaigning, gaslighting, blame-shifting, etc. These can be subtle and take time to see clearly, but they are basically abusive, manipulative and toxic behaviors. To be clear, there is zero emotional and psychological safety. Even with recent changes, things persist. It's how people have been conditioned to operate, but it's far from safe, healthy or professional. Many lack the ability to critically self-reflect and own their contributionship, preferring to deny and blame-shift in order to protect their ego and image. You can succeed in this environment if you are cunning, with a flare for the machiavellian (self-interest trumps all; you're comfortable with manipulating others and the truth; the ends justify the means; you're shameless about it.) Or you're a robot and able to dissociate from it. Or, maybe you're willing to compromise your moral integrity for one reason or another. If you do join, keep your wits about you and your back to the wall.
