Pros
Novartis is a great gig, but not unlike what is going on in Pharma industry in general, just CYA, watch your back, and don't be afraid to tell them what they want to hear/give what they want to get. That is just the culture if you want to survive. You have to make your own work life balance plan, dont rely on the company to look out for you there, either. The benefits are decent, but pensions were diminishing, and it was getting more and more challenging to utilize a lot of the professional growth and development resources that were once in abundance. Just the facts, take it for what you want.
Cons
read the reviews and enter the org/role/industry with your eyes wide open. Departing the company/industry will most inevitably be in the form of a RIF or layoff, just know and be prepared. Severance is usually the same package for new hires as it is for those up to 10 yrs on the job...of course, beware the PIPs and manage out strategies.