Avantages
I worked for/with a pair of IT VP's that I respected, and who respected me. Soon after I left, both VP's in IT left the company. SO GLAD I got out when I did.
Inconvénients
I'd been lucky enough to work for companies with an awesome culture. I didn't even think to assess Merrill's culture when I joined as an IT Director. My bad. The culture was very tribal, with a clear lack of communication at the Sr leadership level, and very often a complete lack of respect. Rather than work with IT, the business created a shadow-IT organization and worked to undermine formal IT. I knew 6 months in that I needed to get out, but it took me 18 months to make the transition. I learned my lesson and found a GOOD company with a GOOD culture, or at least one that better matched my values. While there are some who are very happy at Merrill, I'd recommend against an IT career there unless they've cleaned shop in the business area. (very doubtful)