Pros
-9x80 schedule is great! -Paid holidays -VERY flexible vacation/sick leave policy (you can work your vacation/sick leave off over the next 2 months) -Easy to set yourself apart from coworkers, since most of them are nearing retirement and don't have the knowledge or will to keep up with younger, more energetic and enthusiastic talent -Easy to get friends and others hired, provided your manager goes the extra mile for you -Relaxed working atmosphere -Relocation packages are common and highly valued
Kontras
-Aging workforce means there is a lot of tribal knowledge and a lack of adherence to process/procedure -As a young engineer, you will probably end up working FAR harder than your level 4+ coworkers while getting none of the pay to back that up -5 hour mandatory overtime "gate", you need to work at least 5 hours over your normal week in order to get any overtime pay, which is straight-time only (not time and a half, etc.) -Lack of upward advancement, most of the people there have been there for at least 20 years, and they aren't going anywhere. Its common knowledge that it is extremely hard to be fired once you are in, although layoffs do happen fairly often in an effort to keep the older workforce there. -Upper management favors those who kiss-butt rather than those who perform, so a fishing buddy of upper management will probably get a higher raise than someone who produces more and serves a more pivotal role -Nepotism is rampant, most of my former coworkers were finance/business/arts majors working as engineers on aircraft rather than aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineers -The union basically runs the place. Regardless of how inept the worker is, the union always finds a way to save them instead of letting their work speak for itself. Numerous people have caused easily $200,000+ worth of damage and were given easier jobs along with handsome raises. Management is really serving in a lame-duck role when it comes to disciplining employees intentionally causing damage.