If you are looking for a new job, you may be debating between signing on with a startup company or working for a major corporation.
A startup typically is a newer company that enables you to get involved in the operations at the ground level and to help the company grow from inception to be a great success.
Working with a startup and an existing corporation both have their pros and cons, and with closer consideration, you may find that one is more well-suited for your needs than the other one.
What an Established Company Offers
There are many established companies in all niches and industries that you can choose to work at. They generally offer a higher starting salary and superior benefits in comparison to a startup. You may find that they have a more rigid corporate culture, and some people find that they enjoy the structure associated with this type of work environment.
You may get benefits that range from a lucrative salary and a great health insurance plan to employer-matching retirement and more. Some also have a fitness center on-site, childcare and other perks that make them more attractive than a new startup that has minimal perks and incentives. While there are benefits associated with working with an established company, there are also downsides.
While some people thrive in the rigid environment of corporate culture, others find that there is not room for ingenuity and creativity in this type of work environment. You may be expected to do your job and expected to follow the regimen rather than to break out from the mold with fresh ideas.
What a Startup Company Offers
A startup may not have the opportunity to offer you an attractive salary and tons of perks and benefits, but they may make up for it with a less strenuous and rigid corporate culture. These office environments generally are more lax and casual, and creativity and ingenuity are encouraged.
These are offices where open collaboration is key, and because they generally have far fewer employees, your ideas are more likely to be heard and acknowledged by key decision-makers in the company. More than that, you may enjoy non-routine perks, such as popcorn in the office on Fridays or the ability to wear sandals to the office any day of the week.
In addition, because you are involved in the company at its inception, you may benefit from being able to partake in stock options when the company does go public.
There are both pros and cons associated with working with an established company and working with a startup company. Both provide you with the ability to earn a great living and to be a part of something bigger than the individual, but there are downsides to consider. You can weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which is better for you.