Vancouver, the home of yoga pants, recycling, gentrification and gluten free cyclists, is now a haven for tech companies. Geekmania has hit and with it an influx of web developers and designers just like myself. With numerous companies scattered throughout the city, potential employees should be asking, “Is it better to work for large corporations or small businesses?” Let’s analyze the options.

Large Corporations:

• Success. Large companies and businesses are large for a reason; their successes as small businesses built them up to what they are now. They have long-term clients and have built up their reputations.
• Room to Grow. Large companies have more offices, more departments and therefore more potential to grow within the organization. You could switch jobs without having to actually search for new employment. You could even move to different parts of the world within the right company. Definite bonus.
• Benefits. Corporations can have good benefit packages, and for anyone thinking about their near and/or distant future, health and pension plans are worth decent consideration.
• Structure. Big organizations have been around longer and therefore have an already existing structure. This can be both good and bad; organized and efficient but less malleable and willing to change.

Smaller Companies/Businesses:

• Everybody Knows Your Name. Forget those awkward moments at the water cooler wondering who the person beside you is and if you’ve already been introduced or not. In small companies everyone knows everyone. Maybe this isn’t the most appealing to some personality types but I love going into a work place where I’m not sending emails to a co-worker I’ll never meet.
• Wearing Different Hats. Smaller companies and businesses may require their employees to be flexible in their positions and take on different tasks for the benefit of the team. Responsibilities will vary.
• Movement. Being in close quarters with management and co-workers can help move projects and ideas along faster. At a smaller company you are more likely to avoid booking appointments to pitch ideas or discuss matters with management like you would in a large corporation. There are less hoops to jump through making the communication level easier and faster in smaller companies.

Whichever type of organization you decide you fit best with remember to do your research. Ask around and see what their reputation is with both clients and employees. This could help make your decision a lot easier and less painful.