#1 - It's Too "Corporate"
If you're looking for meaningful work at a company that's actually making a difference in the world while offering a highly energetic work environment where you're encouraged to do big things and challenge the status quo, then I'm afraid to say that you'll find your experience at Shell to be quite disappointing. That just isn't the way Shell's culture works - it's an extremely "corporate" environment. Almost everyone is there for the generous compensation. To me, that just wasn't enough - I want to make money doing meaningful work that I can be proud of.
#2 - You Might Not Be Able To Keep Your Job
I witnessed many of my older colleagues get let go (they "retired") as part of reorgs. Even if you've decided that the paycheck is the most important thing and that's why you want to work for Shell, you might not get to stay as long as you'd like.
#3 - Finance Is Weak
Looking for a place where Finance is considered a true partner to the business? Where the business you support really values your opinion and wants you seated at the table with them? This isn't the place for that. There's a "I'll fill you in on what's going on once the deal is done so you can handle the administrative part" sort of mentality in the company. It is deeply embedded within the culture and from my understanding it's been that way long before I joined the company. It's hard to make an impact when the group you support views Finance this way.
#4 - It Might Conflict With Your Personal Values
I had a hard time working for a company whose core business in oil and gas contributes meaningfully to climate change. I see the company as part of the problem, not the solution. It's great to see that Shell acknowledges climate change, but there's really no substance behind it in my view. Yes, the company is investing in renewables, but at least from my perspective it seems like more of a PR stunt than anything else. The emphasis within the company is overwhelmingly on the oil and gas businesses that generate the profits.
