Pros
Working in higher ed can be incredibly rewarding. Feels like you're doing something meaningful. Lots of good people who could make a lot more money in the private sector but are here because they care. The work you do has a real impact on a big community.
Cons
The university consistently fails to live up to its values. It aspires to be a hub of innovation, but under-invests in the technology infrastructure and people needed to do those things. It says it believes in diversity and inclusion, but racist and sexist behavior goes basically unpunished. Also, it turns out we employ a Proud Boy who outs activists and intimidates students on social media in his free time. When the administration found out, they decided they're okay with that. So that's clearly not great.