Don't let the mixed reviews scare you off, best decision I've made
Pros
I've worked across big companies, startups, and as self-employed — so I have a lot to compare to. CFL is the first place I've had all the resources I need to actually do the job well, plus the environment and management to support it. Throughout my career I've tried to build things wherever I land and usually hit a wall — no funding, no test environment, no way to experiment. That's not the case here. You're trusted and equipped to build. Genuinely strong management. My manager knows his stuff, is respectful, supportive, and acts like a teacher. He gives you room to grow. The access process is sensible, not bureaucratic. When I need a system or some software, it's two questions: Is it safe for the organisation? and What do you need it for? You explain your plan, he corrects what needs correcting and tells you why, grants what he can, then says "go build and come show me." That trust makes a huge difference. Great overall environment and culture, at least in my area.
Cons
The online reviews are genuinely mixed, and the negative ones are very negative — enough to put off good candidates before they even apply. That reputation doesn't match my experience. Experience can clearly vary by team and manager (true of most companies), so your mileage may depend on where you land.
