Pros

Hours are great, and my District Managers have been very flexible for vacations/time-off, etc. Depending on your locale, the bonus structure is pretty good. Apartments are decent, and the total compensation package is acceptable if you have another earner in the family. For the most part, it's a low-stress job, with the occasional flare-up of craziness here and there. I get along great here with my bosses and they make me feel like I'm doing a good job. It does not necessarily result in higher pay, but it's nice to be told that you're appreciated, too.

Cons

Once you understand the corporate model, it's not so bad. You have to understand that the top level of the corporate chain makes the most money. The bottom, well, doesn't. And yes, they are also very out of touch with our everyday tasks and customer interactions. As most of the other reviews state, once you hit the top PM position, there is little if no chance for promotion. Goals are based on things that are out of the managers' control, such as customer behavior, payment history, etc. It's not a job I will be keeping for much longer, but I have been here a few years and I can honestly say that it is the easiest job I've ever had. That being said, the laziness and lack of drive of fellow managers make it difficult to feel like you're better than they are. I would like to move up in this company and ultimately the lack of advancement is what will cause me to leave. DMs have the closest relationship with property staff, but have so very little flexibility in rewarding them.

Advice to Senior Management

There's a lot of talk about how successful the company has become. Your District Managers need more freedom to reward property staff, hire better people, and support the team spirit. Maybe granting a small expense account so they can take buy us lunches or buy us awards or something along those lines would go a long way towards team morale. Your DMs are so frustrated and stifled. They are talented but there is no way for them to show how good they are at managing their people. I'm sure Ron Havner is making a ton of money for people in his circles, and his stockholders, and I don't fault him for that - this is America - but the people that are most effective in making him money (his property staff) do not feel appreciated.