[Stuart]

I think if you work in a big company, whether it's good or not depends on your line management.

The Uni where I work is quite large, but in general they are a good company to work for. My boss is brilliant. As long as I do my job thoroughly, I actually get a fair amount of freedom to do my own things with Uni facilities. I also got a month off recently because of my mum dying, and it was put down as compassionate leave (although I would be p**ed off if it was taken off my Holiday).

This contrasts well with the previous company I worked for (a small Freight Forwarders). At the time I worked for them, my Grandfather was dying of cancer. He had a Hospital appointment at Guys which was just down the road. I offered to help my mum get him from London Bridge station to the hospital. I explained the situation to my Boss, asked for an extended lunchbreak to give me time, and was refused.

I also know people there who have crap line managers, and think working for the Uni is terrible.