The pay is low. I turn down 20-40% raises from other companies about once a month simply because they can't match the flexibility or self-management Econometrica gives me. No point in making 30% more just to work 50% more hours and enjoy each hour less.
If you don't have a masters degree, you'll have double trouble getting enough pay to afford the DMV.
Again, pay is the con. But the pros outweigh it. Especially if you have a family or are in grad school at night, or want to work from home partially.
There is ZERO set career path. I don't mind that personally, as I came in with specific expertise and come from a consulting background where I managed myself fully. But if you expect A -> B -> C career growth, this isn't the place.
You have to be very proactive on what projects you are interested in, what tools you want to learn, what skills you want to gain, etc. Very easy to sit back, relax, and do the minimum (& get the minimum). No micromanagement also means no-one pushing you to develop skills independently of X or Y project.
