Startup — To be or not to be?

What is really a startup and what do we need to know about them?

The term startup became world famous in the 90's, with the Internet boom a large number of dot-com companies (companies which their business is focused on the Internet) began to appear around the world. It all starts with an innovative and promising idea, mainly linked to technology, which is put into practice by a small group of people and can become very profitable in the short term.

“ A startup is a human institution designed to deliver a new product or service under conditions of extreme uncertainty.”(Eric Ries, Lean Startup)

Okay, now we know the formal definition of startup, and we also know that they don’t stop appearing all over the world. But will it be a good option to work in a company in its very early stage, with a small group of people whose their business model has not been 100% proven?

Yes, and no. Confused? Let me explain.

In a startup, most likely you will be working alongside the company’s CEO, who will also be your coworker, you can put him all the questions that you would like to in a very informal setting. But also you will be working with a limited number of people, some perhaps with little experience, but let’s face it, if you have a doubt that no one knows the answer, I’m sure you will find the answer on the internet, and then you will be the person who your colleagues will drive when they have the same question.

Flexibility vs. Workload. Here the decision is yours! In a large company most likely you will have a work schedule from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in front of the computer (and not a minute less), and if you miss work, it will be deducted on your paycheck. In a startup, forget it, the tasks are divided, the objectives are established and autonomy is usually quite high. But it’s not all perfect, and if something goes wrong, or you’re not able to reach your goals? Well, buy enough coffee, order pizza and call home warning that you will arrive late, the night will be long.

Now yes, the final decision! Startups are constantly changing in the early years, during the learning phase is discovered that many decisions have been taken the wrong way and they need to change it, you have to be prepared for it. But you will see your work to have an impact on the company’s product, you will see the number of features to grow and you will be able to say “I did that and that,” and, let’s face it, how many of us have friends saying “What a life, all day at the computer without doing anything“. Well, this is the ideal time to rub into their face your work and your skills!

And now, do you understand my previous answer? It all depends on you, of your person and your personality. But everyone agrees, you should experience at least once working on a startup, it’s a great experience both professionally and personally.