Microsoft Software Engineer (Software Developer II) reviews

A lot of reorganizations and shifts in directions make it hard to be effective and do impact Despite platitudes most of the effect on your advancement is shipped features, not collegial help, technical knowledge, or solved bugs. This makes it difficult to gain impact if you're a bit more pedantic, or if you get a role/project that is low visibility or focused on maintenance. Very inconsistent level of middle management.

There are limited opportunities to explore new things, and a lot depends on the organization you’re part of. My direct manager tends to focus on the negatives, which can be quite demotivating. His communication style is often difficult to engage with, as he tends to lecture more than listen, making it hard to have constructive discussions.