I have worked for big tech giants like Facebook and Microsoft, as well as pre-IPO companies. At the beginning of my career, working for the big 4 tech companies was the most attractive option. Entrepreneurship is attracting more and more young people who prefer to turn to small structures such as startups, with agile working methods, and who promise more freedom.

You are currently working as an employee of a company and want to offer a new turning point in your career? Are you looking for a job and still hesitate between a large group and a startup?

With this article, I’ll share with you my experiences working in a big tech company and also a startup. This will help you make the right decision concerning your professional future.

Behaviors and working methods are very different from a startup to a large company. Thus, some profiles will be better able to flourish in a small structure, while others will prefer a more “structured” work environment.

What to Expect in Both Companies?

Freedom

It is considered one of the main advantages of working in a startup. Because a startup encourages the active participation of all its employees, they naturally have more freedom in their activity. They also find it easier to come up with ideas and take on different kinds of responsibilities. However, in big tech companies, even though there is a vast opportunity and ability to grow, you’re not afforded that much freedom as to when working in startups, this is the very first thing I experienced.

Very Versatile Positions

In a startup, you will regularly have to carry out tasks in very different fields. Graphic, digital, commercial, marketing creation. There will be plenty of opportunities to develop your skills!

Because the teams are generally smaller, everyone has to put their hands up! So, if you do not like routine and repetitive tasks, you will undoubtedly find your happiness by working in a startup.

If the positions offered there require a specific capacity for adaptation and a good dose of responsiveness, the prospects for development are unlimited.

Unlike big tech companies, startups are also keen on new skills and often recruit in “state-of-the-art” positions such as growth hacking, which are particularly popular today.

Simplified Hierarchy

Unlike a large group, the startup has very few hierarchical strata (if any). It also means less process, months of validations, months of signatures, etc.

Strategic decisions can be made as a group and quickly. A sustained rhythm which can frighten you if you like calm and stability, but which has the advantage of being particularly stimulating and energizing.

Thus, the atmosphere that reigns in startups is generally more relaxed, “good natured”, far from the austere and formal relationships that can be found in large companies. We learn to develop team spirit and the feeling of belonging to a community.

Exit The Executive!

By working in a startup, you can say goodbye to 100% executive tasks. On the contrary, any initiatives will be much appreciated.

Because you have to be creative, you will be regularly called upon to test, analyze, question, and renew. You must, therefore, be up to date with current events in your field, innovations, ethical practices, etc.

In big tech companies, there is a must need for executives to exist and manage the company activities. I’m not saying this approach is bad, as per my experience. Still, you might not prefer to be answerable to them.

More Involvement

Individual participation is even more critical in a startup than in a large group. Indeed, the efforts of each employee can have a direct influence on the success of their projects. You’ll experience significant involvement and have the impression of making a real contribution to the success of your business.

Extended Hours

If you like your perfectly calibrated 7-hour day, you risk being disappointed by joining a startup. You will not count your hours there!

The pace of work will be intense, and you will not always know what time your day will end. To work in a startup, don’t be afraid of long days and overtime. Though this doesn’t apply to all startups, it doesn’t happen in big tech companies where your working hours are defined already.

Relations With Colleagues: Quits Or Doubles

Because you will be working in a (very) small team, relationships with your colleagues will be all the more critical. Indeed, if you do not get on well with your office neighbors, the atmosphere may quickly become heavy, even stressful!

Also, you may end up spending a lot of time with them, even if it means encroaching on your schedule. Hence the importance of maintaining cordial relationships.

Less Attractive Wages

It’s a reality: salaries are generally lower in startups than in a large group. This is quite logical since the business is starting up and therefore does not necessarily have a lot of means.

If the prospects for development are very present, they will nevertheless be intrinsically linked to the success of the company’s project. “Hit or miss! ”

It is a risk to take, but most of the time, the game is worth the effort, and all the efforts made will be as many opportunities to be rewarded in the medium to long term.

Less Security

When working in a startup, job security is not the same as in a large company. Indeed, the risk rate is higher, and stability is, therefore, less present.

It is essential that you are aware of this when you apply and that you are ready to accept the consequences. If their project is unsuccessful, the startup may be forced to lay off workers or even close their doors overnight.

Lighter Support

If you can currently count on your manager to voice your doubts, have advice, or get regular feedback, tell yourself that this will not necessarily be the case if you join a startup.

Sometimes there are simply no managers, or they are too busy to help you. If some startups set up integration courses to allow new employees to understand their functioning better, this is not always the case, and one can quickly feel alone.

Likewise, there are fewer opportunities for training or transfer of experience than in large companies: lack of time, staff, and financial means.

Conclusion

In summary, working in a startup may suit some and not please others. It is necessary to have a specific taste for the challenge, not to be afraid of taking risks, and to feel ready (e) to get fully involved with your team.

This requires a certain number of qualities through which you may recognize yourself: creativity, versatility, curiosity, adaptability, interpersonal skills, autonomy, team spirit. And if this is not the case, why not take the time to train yourself?

In any case, the work methodologies are radically different from a “classic” company.

You now have all the keys in hand to make your decision if you want to apply for web and IT job offers in the startup community!