There is not as much vacation time as is offered at other companies. It's rarely an issue for me, though, as my husband is in a similar situation. And frankly sometimes time away is stressful. Labatt isn't full of entire departments of people doing the exact same job. So if you're out, your work piles up (there's that job security again).
Hard work does not always equal reward. This is a follow up to one of the Pros. Someone can put in lots of hours and work very hard, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are doing a good job. So simply "putting in the time" doesn't mean you'll be promoted or given a raise. You have to work smart. "Work smarter, not harder."
Brutal Honesty – If you need improvement somewhere, you’ll be told so usually without any sugar-coating. It can be a difficult pill to swallow for anyone who is sensitive or is not very self-aware. It’s kind of a tough love situation. Some people thrive from it, some people don’t. I've always done well under leadership like that, though. It gives me the motivation to prove them wrong. Besides if a manager or executive is taking time out of his/her day to go over areas you can improve, you can usually take it as a compliment. It means they think you are capable of more.
It’s not necessarily specific to Labatt as it’s true of any company, but your experience can be largely influenced by your manager or direct report. I am lucky enough to have a manager who is confident enough in my abilities to let me work pretty independently, who recognizes when I need more of a challenge, who doesn't micro-manage, and who is fair and consistent. But there are others who range from micro-managing their employees to practically not managing them at all. It can make for a frustrating work life for those managers' employees as well as employees who witness that style (e.g., seeing one employee get away with having an awful attitude because the manager doesn't manage them while another employee may get a dirty look for leaving a little early). In my opinion, though, you are in charge of your own fate and life at the company. If you have great work ethic and do outstanding work, then it doesn't matter who your manager is. You will be noticed.
