I'll go with almost all of the plusses. For me, it was a "no-brainer" at age 17, post A level and aircraft-mad since very small. Can't think of another job I'd rather do.
Shift work has to be better than 9-5 if you value time-off with the family: I tried the office routine for 6 years and am only too pleased to be back on shifts now. Practical, day-to-day ATC still gives me a buzz, after 33 years. It's a profession of which we, as "do-ers" at the sharp-end, should all be very proud too.
Down-side? For me, taking home any nagging doubts about my abilities as I get older and things I could/should have done better that day/week/month etc. And feeling like c**p at 4am on almost every night shift, knowing there's still another three hours left until I go home...