Google reviews

Lots of flexibility on what to work on, but the downside is that management controls the launch process. It's likely that your project may not be allowed to launch without several revisions. Engineers used to own most product decisions, but things have shifted towards product management and upper management. Nobody seems to own broad strategic decisions - there's a strategy vacuum in many product areas. Compensation is good, but obviously the equity situation doesn't compare to what you'd get at a proper startup. For this reason, entrepreneurs and people with big ideas are advised to look elsewhere if they have an appetite for risk / reward.

Its very easy to get used to the perks and if you join right after graduation - it keeps you stuck in college. This may not best thing in terms of future career development. You get used to the good stuff and complain for more and it can get very difficult to move on. I think the worst part is having a really good infrastructure to work with stunts your hacking skills which may not be a very good thing in general. I would advise working outside Google fro a few years and then coming back to really enjoy life :-P