National Semiconductor – “Great company to work for assuming you don't get laid off.”

Pros

Great work/life balance, relatively low stress, good benefits and reasonable pay. Will make friends with co-workers. Not overly political. Lots of opportunity to work on projects with broad scope. Lots of emphasis on employee development and promoting from within.

Cons

Not fast moving or modern company. Extremely cost conscience. Not a sexy industry or company. Employees skew to the older side and little gender diversity. Company generally on the wane. Execs continually take big bonuses amidst layoffs and declining business. Stale leadership that doesn't really get where the world is going or how to capitalize on it.

Advice to Senior Management

For National to emerge stronger from tough economic times will require fresh thinking at the top. Time for a new skipper.