Pros
Environment: One of the key things I looked at during my interviews was always the environment where I would end up. In almost every interview I ever did, I always felt a bit like "just a number". This wasn't the case when I first walked into the office back in 2012. In the 5 years I've worked there, it always felt to me like a second home. I can honestly say that it will be hard finding a more open and friendly environment. Colleagues: Back in 2012 it was still a rather small company when I joined, but everyone made me feel like I was already part of the team for years. Up till 2017 I've seen many come and go, but never have I had a real issue with anyone. You can walk up to anyone's desk (literally), sit down, ask a question, and you'll always get an answer. I've never met anyone who was not willing to help me out if I was stuck on a problem or if I just wanted to have a chat. The commuting (+1h drive) part is hard for me, but offer me the exact same job straight across my street with a different team and I'll still decline it. Oh and don't forget the legendary "weekend" which happens every year and the parties they give now and then. It's where those colleagues will become friends instead. Benefits: There are also a lot of smaller benefits which makes this place unique. There's fresh fruit every day available for you. They offer a variety of breakfast options. Every day at lunch you can grab something to eat made by the kitchen team and for the Friday evenings, there are some beers in the fridge. ;) Growth: The most important one for me personal is growth. November Five gives you every chance to develop yourself on a professional level (knowledge sharing), personal level (coaching through TICkA and twice personal review every year) and since 2017 also on a physical level (membership at The Brick in Antwerp). People tend to forget that the most rewarding thing for a human being is growth. If you cannot grow you cannot become your best, and if you cannot become your best, you cannot be happy and if you cannot be happy, what else matters?. -- Oh and if anyone would ask him/her-self by now the question: Then why did you leave? They gave me the opportunity to start (read: grow) at one of their own product companies. So on a contract level I've left, on a physical level I'm still there.
Cons
It's not a real negative aspect about the company, but for me personal the commuting is the hardest part. On very bad days it can take up to 2-3 hours, on very good days 40min. Projects can be hard in the beginning, but that's where the growth takes place. Honestly, it's hard for me to find another negative part. Through the years the company grew a lot and they keep working with all the feedback they receive and you actually see them turning it into a positive experience.