Pros
*) Microsoft has a lot of money, so we always got to play with latest technologies. *) With a few minor exceptions every one is extremely respectful. *) People are very helpful, which provides ample opportunity to learn new skills and expand your knowledge. *) Always something to do. *) Compensation is very good. *) Contractors/Vendors are welcomed to most social events and gatherings. *) Although a very fast-paced workplace, you are always allowed to work at your own pace.
Cons
*) Microsoft has a policy of training new managers by placing contractors under them. After all, a full time employee can complain, file an official review, go to HR and so on. As a contractor your recourse is very limited, and you dont get reassigned, you either walk away, or get fired. In my case I had a very inexperienced person with no management experience. That made the work environment very difficult. *) As a contractor you are often reminded of your place on the food chain. *) Although not personally, but a coworker sitting right next to me received an email from a manager telling him that it wasnt his place to learn new skills as he was hired to perform a specific job and if he has extra time to learn, he should either get back to work, or go home. *) My payrate was cut by instituting a 'sitting fee' and i was refused to be allowed to work from home, that meant I lost nearly 4$ per hour. Manager was inflexible, and after 20 months refused to consider consider a salary review. *) Higher up the food chain, Microsoft is a very political place, and as a contractor you will sometimes be used as a scapegoat. The typical thing is to publicly send a 'blame' letter, and to almost privately immediately apologize for losing temper via internal chat.