1. Lack of direction. You are in charge of your own career. If you do not make an conscious, constant effort to self-promote and network, you will be lost in the shadows. Sometimes it can be impossible to know where you're headed.
2. Lots of plans and lots of talk however until whatever you've been promised actually happens, don't believe it for a second. This applies to promotions, staffing , length of time on an engagement, etc.
3. Unbelievably high expectations and relentless working hours
4. Often feels like a bunch of small specialised teams rather than a cohesive company. A bit decentralized.