If given a chance to choose a company to work for, would you choose Ford Motor Company or a startup version of that firm? Definitely, who could resist working for Ford Motor?
Honestly, in some instances of our lives, we simply can’t resist eyeing on big companies and industry players. Who wouldn’t? With all the publicity and the growing reputation for being “number one” in their respective industries, who would not be enticed to submit their resumes to these top-rated companies? Nonetheless, aside from the fact that applying to these companies entails tough competition and finicky selection process, you need to realize that your professional success doesn’t depend on the success of the company you’re in.
If you’re into a more challenging setting, then why not work for a startup company? But, like any other companies, working for these companies exhibits both positive and negative issues. Here are some of them:
You get to be heard when you’re working for a startup company
Since the size of a startup company isn’t that big, chances are, you’re going to report to a superior who’s next in line to your boss. If the business is really “starting up,” you get to report directly to your boss. With this kind of set-up, there is a bigger chance for your ideas to be heard and considered. As such, your ideas (if proven to be useful and profitable) can directly impact the success of the business.
The Catch
Since your ideas can directly influence the standing of a business, you also have direct responsibility for the failure of a business. This is proven to be challenging for risk-takers and those who love challenges. More pressure and burden are also placed on your shoulder if you’re directly responsible in any functions within a business.
Room for versatility
Since startup companies provide more rooms for trainings, you get to learn a little about everything. Due to the availability of various roles that you can fill in, you get to improve your skills and develop your capabilities more. As we all know, startup companies have a limited number of staffs. As such, there are certain instances wherein you’ll be asked to perform different duties.
The Catch
Like in any position, being a “jack-of-all-trades” isn’t a bad idea, but it is not that helpful either. Since you get to do different tasks, you fail to develop a specialization on a specific task or function. This can wear out your own strengths and eventually produce mediocre-quality work.
Camaraderie
Working for a startup gives you a chance to develop a “new family” within the limits of your workspace. Because the size of a startup is usually small, there is a bigger possibility that everybody knows everyone else. This way, you can get chummy even with your superiors who can even mentor you in your work.
The Catch
The problem with being “close” with anybody in your company is that you fail to set the lines between being “professional” and being “personal.” Also, since the atmosphere is more laid-back and relaxed, there are times when the quality of work suffers.
More sense of pride
Being directly responsible for the tasks that you are handling is very rewarding especially if it succeeded. The sense of pride is there, especially if the role you played has contributed a lot to the success of the business.
The Catch
You may experience a huge amount of pride for doing a job well done, but the same thing also goes when the program that you handled fails. Since you are in charge of a certain task or project, anything that occurs in that program is your responsibility. The least you can do when your project didn’t work out as planned is to remain positive since not everybody has the guts to take the chance.
Creative environment
Startup companies are very much willing to accept and try new ideas. As such, the creativity and brainstorming skills of its employees are developed. Unlike in more stable companies that are more inclined to use “traditional” or old ways of conducting their businesses, startups are more on the risk-taking side. These types of companies are continuously experimenting on new concepts that may be put into practice. As such, employees under this type of business are more capable of thinking “out-of-the-box” and are proven to be more productive than their counterparts.
The Catch
Like the previous catches, the risk is higher in startup companies. Since they are more on a trial-error approach, there is a bigger possibility of business failure. Moreover, since employees are directly responsible for the outcome of their actions, they are more hesitant in accepting duties. Some who accepted the risks and eventually failed to feel depressed and overwhelmed. Thus, their productivity eventually fluctuates. In order to avoid such things, continuous training and motivation should be given to employees working in startups.
It is also a good point to consider that startup companies are good training grounds for individuals who are hoping to start their own businesses in the future. Such exposure in the environment can give you a first-hand experience, not to mention ideas, on how a certain business must be run.
Working for startup companies is rewarding and challenging. It is up to the job seeker whether he or she would pursue a career in big corporations or devote one’s time and abilities in making a startup company as successful and efficient as possible. But the important thing here is, you enjoy the kind of work you’re doing. So get your resumes ready or call your trusted resume writers to create the perfect resume that will embody the best in you. You’ll never know when the next “top company-in-the-making” is going to hire you.
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