Pros
Caltrans has become extremely outdated and a difficult place to work.
Cons
Wages are Caltrans are stagnant and haven't even remotely kept up with inflation. They are chronically understaffed, and you are guaranteed to be forced to work out of class without a pay increase. Working for the State used to be appealing due to the benefits, but that is no longer the case. The health insurance is very expensive, and the plans offered are meager at best. The union is worse than useless - SEIU1000 does nothing substantial for their members. There is rampant, intense disability discrimination, approved from the top down. There is no respect for families, work/life balance, or anyone who does not provide blind allegiance to whatever management dictates.