Pros
I started as a canvasser with Working America and eventually became a Field Director. I worked 4 election cycles. We also tested several models for fundraising. Due to the nature of the work, anyone can learn the basics of the door-to-door canvass, in a non-fundraising model. If a canvasser is identified as having potential to move into a field managing (or higher), training and opportunities to develop come readily. As a part of the labor movement, issue based advocacy is focused around workers issues and persuasion around local, and occasionally national elections. If you are looking to get a jump start in working on issued advocacy, and are planning to stay less than 3 years, it is an excellent place to learn an organizing skill set.
Cons
The nature of fundraising is at odds with political work. Additionally, door-to-door fundraising is not sustainable long term. Fundraising goals are based on national direction and have very little connection to realities of local communities - particularly given the need to organize in blue-collar and low income communities. Field Directors have little autonomy around hiring and firing - you are directed to hire almost everyone and if someone misses quota three weeks out of five, they have "cycled out - this model is intentional. Field Directors also have little say regarding campaigns being worked on. When Field Directors are recruited, they are often told that this is a way to begin to work on the "program" side - which is disingenuous at best. Additionally, all staff are encouraged to be "geo-flexible" - meaning you are expected to relocate - which is not always disclosed. This creates an environment where staff have little outside life that does not include canvass staff. Despite being told the position is about 45 hours a week, the realities of managing a constant cycling of staff means regularly working 60 or more hours per week. I was often discouraged from using my sick-time or vacation time.During my time, Field Directors were expected to re-apply for their position after every election. Finally, despite being a part of the labor movement, Field Directors do not have the benefit of being a part of a collective bargaining unit.