Scared to move forward

4 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 1:28PM UTC

   Yes, I did exactly that. For me, it was a better fit. I like a more personal experience. I like to be known as an expert in my role. If I don't have an answer I will certainly find out that answer. I love interactions that are clearly impactful. My international company had silos that I never interacted with. It was large with layers of policy, red tape and took much longer to get things done. There were chains of command and a matrix of authority. So, while it was definitely successful, it took months and even years to see anything completed. I wanted a more personal and immediate reality. It was more work but more fun. More dynamic and I felt my impact everyday.

   So if you like insulation, more busy work and slower deliverables, anonymity and less personal ownership of the work then a startup is definitely not for you. You would get overwhelmed. But if you love energy, dynamic contribution and rapid career growth, then I think you will be energized and challenged.

2. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 1:42PM UTC

   My personal experience has been positive in this same scenario. I was 5 years from a planned early retirement with a multi-national company, but they laid off thousands of people in a short period of time. I was lucky to land quickly through my network but was nervous about the culture change of a much (less than 500 employees) company.

   I recommend you make sure you understand their purpose, or mission. The employer I left had a huge creative culture and always moving towards the next big thing. I was passionate about their products and culture. The new org also has a strong mission albeit in a very different market. I was able to relate to the passion leadership has about this mission, and it made the decision for me. The culture is so much slower pace but in a positive way, you have time to breath and not just hurry on to the next thing.

   Benefits and long-term direction are important as well, but look beneath for the culture and mission directives to understand if this is a fit for you. Good luck!

3. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 1:42PM UTC

   I've worked at large international companies (tens of thousands of employees), mid-sized (a few hundred) and really small companies (<10 employees). I like the small ones the best! I'll give you my perspective. You need to be a self-starter to succeed. Yes, you will likely wear many hats, but that gives you the chance to learn and take ownership. It may be outside your comfort zone, but that is the growth zone. You will learn more in 1 year at a small growing company than you will in many years at a large organization - they tend to be compartmentalized and everyone works in silos. A word of caution - no "that's not my job" is allowed. They will likely expect you to help identify what needs to be done, then DO IT. Although, 40 employees isn't that small in start-ups, so they may be further defined. There will likely be times of "sink or swim", and it is exhausting, but you will come out so much stronger and knowledgeable. If you are ready to learn and grow, I would take it! Keep in mind that there may be no one to train you, so you may need to take it upon yourself to research it yourself. Asking others what their role is can be a good way to see where your role fits in. Good Luck!

4. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 2:35PM UTC

   Thanks so much for your comment! You are right, this is an opportunity for growth and framing it that way is helpful. I'm a 'can-do' kind of person, so I think I'll be OK on the multiple hats front!