Working at a Startup vs a Big Company: What’s Better for You?
What’s the difference between working at a startup vs big company? This guide compares both so you can choose the best work life for you. Learn more now!
If you’re on a job search, you may not know whether you’ll like working at a startup vs big company more.
Sure, both routes come with their fair share of pros and cons. And if you’ve worked at one, but not the other, it can be difficult to imagine something new.
That’s why the best course of action is to see exactly what each work life entails and listen to your gut. After all, only you can decide which environment suits your skills, work style, and career goals.
Today’s guide provides an inside look at each scenario, so you can start your job hunt with all the confidence that you’re moving in the right direction.
Let’s begin with:
What It’s Like Working at a Startup
In our guide on What to Expect When Working at a Startup, we shared a glimpse into all the ins and outs of working for a new company on a mission. If you’re seriously considering this route, you should read that guide for a deep dive when you’re done here.
For now, check out this brief recap of what it’s like working for a startup:
You’ll Likely Wear Multiple Hats
Since most startups consist of small teams, you’ll probably be responsible for tasks that fall within your skill set and outside of it, which has its upsides and downsides.
While you may have to take on more tasks and responsibilities than you may have anticipated, you’ll also get to pick up and use new skills along the way.
The more abilities you add to your wheelhouse, the quicker you’ll develop as a person and evolve in your career.
No Two Days are Ever Alike
Because you’re never pigeonholed into one task, working at a startup means your days are never quite the same.
Though you may be working on the same project, your role may vary drastically from one day to the next, depending on the needs of the company and the team.
You’ll get to tackle a new challenge each day rather than simply showing up to hop on your hamster wheel. This makes for a more exciting work life instead of a mundane and predictable one.
You’ll Get To Work On a Small, Close-Knit Team
Due to budgetary reasons, startup teams tend to range on the small end. And each employee comes to the table with a wide variety of skills to contribute.
You’ll probably get to know everyone on your team and work in close proximity on different tasks together. You’ll get to pick up their skills and share your own, encouraging lots of team bonding.
None of this may happen at a big company. There, employees typically stick to one task and work in separate departments of similar skill sets.
Despite these perks, there are a few downsides to consider when working at a startup, such as:
You May Need To Become More Resourceful
Many startups lack the resources of big companies. They have leaner teams, smaller spaces, and modest equipment budgets. So you may not have access to expensive software or tools that could make your job easier and more efficient.
You’ll need to learn how to become more resourceful with less, which is a helpful trait to pick up no matter where you work.
Any Day Could Be Your Last Day
Another potential drawback to working at a startup is that there’s no guarantee they’ll be in business a year or two from now.
Unlike a big company that’s been around for decades, startups in their early stages rely on investors and several rounds of funding before their revenue generation model finally turns a profit.
Whether this happens in a few weeks, months, or years depends on factors that may be totally out of your control.
However, this downside shouldn’t deter you from applying to work at a startup. There are a few tips and tricks to ensure you pick a startup primed for greatness in the guide we mentioned earlier.
So that’s what it’s like working for a startup, now let’s take a look at:
What It’s Like Working at a Big Company
Working at an established company is completely different than choosing a startup because:
Bigger Companies Have Bigger Budgets
A corporation’s budget trickles down into a number of places.
You may earn a higher salary at a larger company compared to a startup. You may also be entitled to bonuses and end-of-the-year perks for which a startup may not have the funds.
Larger companies also have the advantage of being able to pay for new, upgraded office equipment, tools, software, and other items to help you get the job done sooner and easier.
You May Find More Opportunities for Advancement
If you’re looking to climb a career ladder, you’re more likely to find those rungs at a corporate job than at a startup.
There’s often a hierarchy of positions and supervisory roles already in place and potentially up for grabs at larger companies. You just have to prove yourself when a new role opens up.
Just remember that when it comes time to get promoted, you’ll be competing with a much larger pool of candidates than you would at a startup. This can make it challenging to snag a new role, especially if you’re competing with employees who have more seniority under their belts.
However, that career map may not exist at a startup simply because the Founders haven’t created it yet. This doesn’t mean you can’t get promoted; you’ll just need to be patient to see where your hard work may lead.
More Stability and Predictability (and Potentially Less Innovation)
Like we mentioned before, employees at larger companies usually stick to a defined scope of work. They use their skills and abilities the same way, day in and day out, and may never mingle with employees outside their department.
If you like the predictability of knowing what your day will entail, this may sound ideal. You’ll always know what to expect and never have to deal with unexpected curve balls thrown your way.
Unfortunately, larger companies are also much slower and sometimes unwilling to change or advance with the times. So if you disagree with how things are done, you’ll be stuck. You may have to settle for outdated, inefficient processes, software, etc.
Your ideas may also go ignored at a larger company. If the leaders are set in their ways, you may not be able to provide as much input in your job. This could leave you feeling as if your expertise and skills aren’t being valued or used as much as they could be at a startup.
On the upside, a company that’s been around for decades typically has a smaller risk of going under. There isn’t a fear of running out of investor money or getting enough users/subscribers to keep the servers powered up like there is at a startup.
Working at a Startup vs Big Company: Which One is Better for You?
Now that you’ve seen both sides of the coin, do you have a better idea of whether you’ll like working at a startup vs big company more?
If you’re someone who enjoys routines and knowing what to expect from your workdays, a startup may not be right for you, and that’s okay. But if you can’t stand the monotony and humdrum of having to do the same thing every day, working at a startup may be your dream gig.
But you’ll also want to consider which stage of your career you’re in.
If you want to get as much hands-on experience as possible, the startup route may be best since you’ll be deep in the trenches learning and evolving each day. On the flip side, if you’re looking to earn more money for your years of experience, a large company makes more sense.
That’s why we can’t make this decision for you.
Our advice? Make a list of all your likes, dislikes, wants, and needs. Then rank these from most to least important. A clear answer should emerge from here.
And don’t forget: you won’t be stuck in either option forever. If you decide a startup is right for you now, browse open startup jobs today to see all your options.
If the job descriptions don’t mesh with your ideals, you can always go back to a traditional job board.
Whatever route you take, we hope you find a position that checks all your boxes and more. Everyone should find a fulfilling career, and no one deserves to be unhappy with their work.
Good luck in your job search!
