On the job hunt: Startup edition.
Looking for a new job and considering a startup? You may want to consider a few things.
With recent layoffs affecting many industries, you might find yourself exploring new job opportunities. As you browse job listings, you’ll likely encounter startups and established big companies vying for talent.
Having experienced both types of workplaces, I can share some distinct pros and cons. Before you jump into your next job, it’s important to understand what each environment can offer and what challenges they might present.
Let’s look closer to help you make a well-informed decision about where to steer your career next.
The Startup Scene
I spent some time over the last few years at a startup in the automotive finance space. It was quite a bit of a change compared to having worked at Rocket Mortgage (a leading mortgage lender within the US) for years.
I loved the time spent there but ultimately ended up leaving to get back into the “corporate” life. Here are a few observations.
The Good Stuff:
Making a Mark: In a startup, your actions and decisions can shape the company’s future. It’s exciting to see your ideas come to life. Things move quickly and there’s often a consistent drip of new features and functionality going live.
Always Something New: Startups are dynamic and fast-changing. This environment might suit you if you enjoy solving new problems and adapting quickly. Depending on your product line, you could really be in the early stages of cutting edge tech which…is awesome.
Close-Knit Community: Working in a startup often means smaller teams and a tighter-knit community. This can lead to stronger collaborations and a sense of team at work.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
Founder Influence: Working with founders can be inspiring, but their strong attachment to their vision can limit your ability to implement new ideas. Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a situation where it’s very difficult to convince them on new directions or features because they’re so emotionally attached.
HR Challenges: The lack of a large HR department can lead to inconsistencies in handling benefits and policies. This might be overlooked for higher pay or an exciting role. Even at the early stages of onboarding and joining - if there are delays or the experience is rocky there’s a good chance you’re going to hate it.
Work-Life Balance: Startups' all-hands-on-deck nature might mean longer hours and less predictable work schedules, which could affect personal life. Some periods of your career may be better suited for this if you’re interested - I’m a dad of a 9 year old and working 24/7 just isn’t the move for me at this stage of the game.
Life at a Big Company
The Perks:
Steady and Organized-ish: Large companies offer predictable structures and routines. This can be reassuring if you appreciate knowing what to expect.
Better Benefits: These organizations often provide comprehensive benefits, which can help you feel secure about your health and future. We’ve come a long way with availability of benefits for all but the cost often will get offset by these bigger companies.
Professional Development: Big companies typically have more resources for training and development, which can help you grow your skills in a structured way. That can be formally or, based on the experience of the people around you, could be informally gained as well.
The Downsides:
Feeling Small: In a large company, it can be tough to see how your individual work affects the larger picture, which can be disheartening if you want to feel connected to the impact of your efforts.
Slow Changes: Change can be slow, with lots of approvals needed. This might frustrate someone who enjoys quick results and innovation. Although I’m a big fan of “ask for forgiveness later” when it comes to most things, there’s still a learning curve on how to effectively manage your work speed in relation to what can actually get delivered.
Bureaucracy: Larger organizations often have more bureaucracy, making it difficult to approve new ideas or implement changes quickly. Sometimes you can get flavors of the founder vibes with people that have been in the company for a long time and that can be tough to manage.
The choice is yours.
Choosing where to work is an important decision.
Consider what matters most to you:
Do you crave the excitement and potential of shaping a business, or do you value stability and well-organized settings?
How important is work-life balance to you?
Are opportunities for personal and professional growth a priority?
Whether it’s a startup's vibrant pace or a big company's structured environment, both settings offer unique advantages.
Reflect on what makes you happy at work and where you think you’ll thrive.
I’d love to hear about your experiences and thoughts on this topic, so feel free to share.
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