To BE or Not To Be Situation.
Before you choose any of the two options, you need to know that YOUR career choice is a lifestyle because it will ultimately define the quality of work, relationships, networks, and decisions, etc. that you will make. Jobs are not easy to get and then preferring startups over jobs is a challenging choice too.
There is a greater risk and instability with startups but if a startup works out, the rewards are equally satisfying and long-lasting.
We all are well-aware of the reasons and benefits that come with a steady job and if you do not know them then just have a cup of steamy tea with your parents and tell them you want to start a business! You will be enlightened. But for arguments’ sake, let’s look at the reasons why one must join a startup or even become a founder of one.
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✔ Greater Responsibility = Greater Learning
At bigger corporations you will be assigned a particular task depending on what you mentioned in your CV under your skill-set. You won’t know what is happening in other departments. But in startups the system works differently. They have employees in small numbers. And you would not only contribute by performing your part effectively but will also be giving feedback on things that do not directly fall under your role. For example, you may be a content writer for a startup but your role is not limited to just churning out content and articles. But it will require your input in all the related activities to that role for example, visuals and feature images, content audit, and content marketing, etc. Thus, you will have more responsibility which will enhance your learning curve greatly, courtesy being in a startup and also, having less finances and budgets.
✔ Growth is where work is
Growth does not happen in isolation. Man is a social animal and for us to work and progress, we need social relations and networking. The only way for you to grow professionally is when you step out of the box and a routine, and work on different projects. Here in startups, you will probably be handling a full project and will learn as it evolves. Hence, you will be evolving too in that sphere by creating your own space. Eventually, YOU will get the opportunity to see yourself developing into a seasoned professional.
✔ Art of knowing yourself
If you are always tied to a table, chair, and a laptop where YOU are bound by routine, and day in day out, you are part of that cyclical process then you will build a persona of yourself around that work. May be you will not be able to imagine what is actually inside you to express in some creative form or talent which can only be possible if you are given the opportunity to bubble out. When working in a steady job, there is rarely a chance for you to try your hand at some other thing. While in startups you will be managing a lot of affairs other than your actual job. May be you are a good speaker and that revelation only came when you have to pitch an idea to an investor or incubator.
“Startups develop the ‘Rockstar Syndrome’ by winning & pitching than actually doing business.”
✔ Company of creative people
At startups, people are creative and open to your ideas as well. You will not only be giving ideas mindlessly but you will actually see them in execution if they like it. Your work will be properly recognized in the company, and spending hours with them under the same roof, will enable you to learn their methods of engaging with the problem as well.
✔ Limit resources, Not productivity
According to Kerrin Sheldon, one of the lifelong learning is to get things done with limiting resources and staying productive. Big companies and corporations don’t worry about resources but in small startups you have no choice but to work with limiting resources. One of the methods they employ is outsourcing which opens up more opportunities to network and hustle.
Conclusion
No matter what we suggest and recommend, it all boils down to YOUR choice and decisions. What makes you comfortable and what makes you tick?
And hey, there is no harm in experimenting and trying new stuff?