Microsoft reviews

Once an awesome company to work for, about 6 years ago they flipped a switch on compensation, perks and programs went out the window in favor of hiring colleges hires with the intent of getting at least 5 good years out of them before they wash and repeat. Change is mind numbingly constant, reviews are to the extent you feel like you're consistently being reviewed from weekly to monthly 1:1's to mid year and year end review. Be ready to work to achieve your defined smart goals for vague and undefined compensation. If you don't like it there's a line of college hires right behind you.

Management. Anyone with any scruples got out of management shortly after the "stack" ranking was implemented. Those who are left would as soon stab you in the back as look at you. They look out for their buddies, and anyone else has a target on their back and is fair game for the "bottom 5%". This used to be a fun place to work. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely a tough job and you have to know your sh*t. But, there used to be social events, beer Fridays, pizza, free t-shirts and other assorted swag, etc. All of that is gone, and people spend the majority of their time just trying to make sure they don't get "bottom boxed". It's all about who you know and how you present yourself these days, and all the "fun" has been stripped away. The culture nowadays is literally toxic, and people spend far more time worrying about the review model than actually being able to do their job. The company isn't at all cutting edge anymore and is so wrapped up with red tape that its nearly impossible to get anything done.