hy, you’re back! I’m sure you’ve read the article “Working for a Start-up as a developer: Pros and Cons” and you’re now hungry for more, or you want to know if the other side of the medal is shinier. We at hy are here to satisfy your hunger, be unconcerned. (Sadly just metaphorically, Foodora or the like is responsible for the rest) Buckle up, adjust your mirror - here it is, a pro and contra list that you wouldn’t be able to find a better one in 10th grades social studies.
Enjoy!
Pro 1. Benefits and more Benefits
Not everything that shines is gold; my mother used to say. But sometimes she just doesn’t know what she is talking about. Gym membership? Company smartphones? Company pension? These are all things, that would cost you a lot of money, but are almost existential. I mean, what else would you do on the tram on the way back home, if you couldn’t look at your phone, completely emotionless?
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Con 1. Anonymity
“Johnny got fired yesterday!” - “Oh no! Who’s Johnny?”. Yeah, it could go down that way. And maybe you’re Johnny soon, should you decide on working in a big firm. No, we don’t want to scare you. But, indeed, it’s possible. When it gets to a certain number of employees, you can’t possibly know everyone by name. It’s possible you like that. But when your job is affected by someone else you haven’t met yet, it feels a bit weird. Sure, a lot of significant concerns but try to connect employees with another, however, this is rarely useful.
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Pro 2. Clear Structure
Unlike a start-up, the company structure is more precise. You are part of a (hopefully) well-oiled machine. From the day you start your job, your tasks in that machine are clear. After a while, you understand the pathways to a promotion, too. If you’re a fan of “template jobs,” you’ll like working for a corporation.
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Con 2. Clear Structure
Yes, this clear structure can also be seen as a disadvantage. Should there still be a traditional hierarchy within the company, the employees will get minimal autonomy. Leadership positions will only make decisions. So if you are someone who doesn’t like to lean back and let other people do, but more so want to contribute, because, we know that this thing on top of your neck has a lot of great ideas, then a big enterprise might not be for you.
Pro 3. Support Programs
Big companies usually have more money to spend on their employees. For example to make entering a career easier for young people and to spend it on training for specific practices within the company.
Con 3. Working times and location
For all 9-5 fans, fixed working times are a dream. The daily routine stays the same - day in and day out. For everyone else, it’s a nightmare. Life admin gets postponed and postponed, till you completely lose track of your hobbies, interests or obligations outside of work. In a start-up you get flexible working times, so you can finally keep your doctor's appointment, you can visit your grandma at the old people's home but still, go to work after or even work from home. Flexible working times are great for the company, too. Not much to do? Work less. Lots to do? Work more. This is so much more productive.
Pro 4. Salary
Christmas bonus, holiday pay - money, money, money! We know what Dagobert Duck would decide on. We know too, that money isn’t utterly unimportant to you. The salary will definitely be higher at a big company.
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Con 4. Slow Feedback
In a big company, feedback travels way slower, than in a start-up. If your boss is the devil, that might be good, but usually, it’s advantageous for both sides, to get a response to your actions as soon as possible.
All in all, it’s crucial for you to understand what you are looking for in a job and what suits your style of working better. Where do you see yourself working in 1-2 years? Do you like what you see? During your job interview, you should ask for all one’s worth.
Maybe write down the essential points before, so you don’t forget in the heat of the battle.
And: What's your choice? Start-up or corporation?
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