In general, Deloitte is usually a cut throat environment. Which means, you usually end up working a lot. I believe that the glowing reviews that I see here are only due to one of the following,
a. The firm is very particular about marketing, and putting up a clean image. So I would think someone paid or encouraged folks to do a positive review.
b. It is a big firm, so even if the chances are small, you could be that lucky one to end up in a good project. It is a rarity, but possible.
c. Folks got hired right out of college, and they are unaware of the work ethos that is existing outside of Deloitte to give a critical review.
General cons - The resource manager here who is supposed to find the next opportunity for you is usually a person who does not know what the heck is going on. So to be successful here, you have to boot lick or whatever - also called build a network, and stick to it. If not, then good luck finding the next good project.
You have a long day at work(say like leave at 2 in the morning), but you are still expected to come back at 9 . This could change though if you know to stick to that network(see above).
You are expected to sacrifice everything for the benefit of the project ( ex. who cares if your son is participating in something important on a weekend, if you are required to work, then chuck the son, get to work ! ).
Learn to piggy back - it is not much of how or whether you can do it, but how you can make others do it and take the credit for it, and cover yourself in the whole process.
Associate track -
Cons : ambiguous career model, no bench/beach/float period. If you do not have a project, you stand the risk of termination. Lower utilization could significantly and adversely affect year end ratings which could also pave way to termination. As the project moves, the associate may have to move, and in many cases will have to relocate if he/she wants to keep the job. The firm will not fund for training/conferences/education, have fewer opportunities to tap into any networking events- so in many cases will be always be in the blind on the firm big picture. Although the associates are capable, they are not given the same respect or treatment that folks in the other tracks get.
Specialist track -
Cons - 80-100% Travel (could be a pro or a con ), need to do firm development activities, and plus 40 hours of training each year. Many projects, at least, the ones that I have seen so far, will require at least 60 hours of client service work each week, so adding travel to this, plus the firm development activities, plus the training requirements, and plus the networking that you have to do to ensure that you get staffed, will take a big big toll on your personal life.
Consultant track -
Cons - 80-100% Travel (could be a pro or a con ), need to do firm development activities, and plus 40 hours of training each year. If you do not get promoted by a specific period, you stand the chance of termination. Other cons are similar to the Specialist track.