Large Corporation vs Family Business?

13 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 30,2022 at 4:56AM UTC

   Depends on the scope of work if similar or more advanced to what you did before and you can articulate it well in your resume cover letter and interview sure. But in his economy I would wonder more about the stability of that smaller company. We are headed for a recession and several small and midsize companies have been wiped out and will continue to be wiped out for it. For the new company did you verify coverage for maternity leave? Many companies have a year waiting period before that benefit kicks in. If that applies to you and you take leave post birth you might not get paid. Normally smaller companies translates into heavier workload normally bc there are less people spread across to get the job done. Have you clarified in detail how heavy your workload would be at the smaller business job. Is the expectations for you to work long weekends and overtime on a regular basis? If so is that something you want before and immediately after giving birth.?

2. AnonymousMay 30,2022 at 9:39AM UTC

   It really depends. If the role is dynamic, you are growing professionally, make high level connects in your industry and show this was a step up, then it will be rewarding abd valuable.

   But instead, if this new role is small, isolated and not a step forward in your professional growth leaving you with just a job and flexibility but no leveling up then I would reconsider it if career momentum is important to you.

   Sometimes, if your priorities are more your family life, raising children and having an easier and more accommodating life, where career takes a backseat for awhile then a small family owned business is perfect.

3. Barbara WhiteMay 31,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

   I agree with this one----the biggest question, at least in my mind, isn't what job you want as much as what life is it that you want. The job component is important of course, but so is the rest of your life. Not everyone is seeking the fast-paced corporate life with long hours and lots of travel. Some want 9-5 and especially flexible schedules so they can have plenty of time for their kids' activities, pursue a side gig, etc., as those are the things that matter most to them. That could be for a season, or for a lifetime. I really wish that when they host career fairs at schools they would really be upfront with kids what jobs entail. For example, being an aeronautical engineer sounds cool, and it is actually---but if you aren't willing or able to move to the few locations where those jobs are located, then it's likely a waste of your time to get a degree in that if you can't both work and live where you want. Back when I was a panelist in career fairs, I really tried to drive that point home---to imagine the life they want---where they want to live, how they want to spend their time, what careers are in the area where they live now or want to go---and that will go a long way in directing your paths to the right educational opportunities to then get the jobs that provide that lifestyle.

4. AnonymousMay 30,2022 at 12:31PM UTC

   I just left a bigger company of 135 to join a group of 6! For same reasons. Took a small pay cut but I’m looking forward to Remote work, less stress, and a better work life balance. Plus I’m looking forward to making more connections to a smaller group of people. This really shouldn’t affect your ability to go from one side to another size in the future as I have done both over the last 20 years. Give it a shot. How hard or bad can I be.

5. AnonymousMay 30,2022 at 8:39PM UTC

   Thanks! Congratulations on your new journey! Work life balance can be hard to come across so glad you found it!

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 31,2022 at 12:07AM UTC

   Family owned company. Ugh. That is not a selling point for me. I've never worked at companies where people treated each other worse, or were treated worse by management, than at family owned companies. Never again.

   Not sure what kind of Accounting you do but a quick LinkedIn Jobs search for mid-level accountant positions using the REMOTE filter returned 6,137 results.

   Plenty of larger companies offer remote options and more are offering it every day. I would recommend you continue you search.

7. AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 1:23PM UTC

   They will consider you again.
   I too am an accountant and have successfully switched between both corporate and small firms without issues. One thing to note though, corporate may be more rigid in certain things but it’s more ‘organized’. In a small firm especially in the Accounting/Finance area you wear more hats and by more hats I mean it could mean more stressful due to lack of resources or just being stuck in their way/process. I thought it initially was just me but my husband too has tried both, and recently went back to EY because they are just better organized and less stressful. There are pros and cons in either type of industry you just need to figure out which one suits you and your families needs more.

8. Michelle HoffmanMay 31,2022 at 2:44PM UTC

   I say go for it.

   I will say understand your new duties and how they stack up to the current job you have. Remember remote is nice - been doing it for 2 plus years ( we are now permanently remote) - but how will you connect with your new team? How does your new company onboard you? How will they support you in mentoring, development, and growth. (promotion doesn't always mean growth)

   I am reading a book that was recommended during the FairyGodBoss Seminar recently called "Driven By Intention" It talks about your North Star, Intention, HAPPINESS. The chapters are fairly short and with each chapter covering a different woman in the author's life/circle. Not every person kept climbing up a specific corporate ladder. There were zigs, zags, and set backs (some intentional and some not); but, they kept a focus on their intention. It can be very hard when all we hear is we must climb that ladder to the corner office with a 6 figure income, bonus, etc. But what happens when you loose sight of your "intention" in that climb. Be true to yourself, be honest, and think it through.

9. Lisa MarieMay 31,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

   I find that the job funtions is what matters most.

   Sure, some organizations often try to make the "size" comparison, but *with facts* you dont have to allow it.

   With data on what your responsibilities were, you simply show that the volume of work you did in either size business didn't matter.

   Many times the scope of work is waaay more in a smaller organization than in a larger one, because there is less people doing the work.

   For example... I once worked at an organization where the Director of Finance is also the Director of HR. She's held both roles for over 18 years, and is doing a wonderful job in both capacities. It wasn't a small organization... the management company was just stingy.

   So whatever you decide to do, be sure to keep track of the scope of your responsibilities and when the time comes to move on to bigger and better things, be prepared to *sell what you did* in the brightest and most factual way possible.

10. AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 3:57PM UTC

    The responses below present questions only you can answer. Only you understand the life goals you have and what us important to you. No one here can know these things so they are posing questions you need to consider.

11. AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 5:23PM UTC

    I do not think it would harm you. I've gone from large organizations to small and back to large without issue (O&G - need i say more?). However, going to a "family" firm should be your concern - especially if you aren't part of the fam.

    There are benefits, true. But it can also be really messy. I've seen good employees fired to prove a point to their line manager. That's just one example.

    I recommend you collect your references throughout your time at this firm. Do not wait until it's time to leave!

12. AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 8:58PM UTC

    Large cooperations will still take you.

    But a couple of points to consider, working for a small company:
    - you probably have fewer benefits or higher copays, simply because they don't have the bargaining power
    - your work can be more fun and versatile, but you may also have to do menial tasks
    - you may be more vulnerable to downsizing and get a small severance, if any
    - your relationships with your coworkers are closer, but what if there is a bad apple?
    I worked for both, and there are pluses and minuses, and you will have to decide what is more important. But careerwise it will not harm you.

13. AnonymousMay 31,2022 at 10:09PM UTC

    Just be aware of the limitations working with a family owned business. There are a lot of agendas, alliances and ownership issues at play.