When you’re a programmer looking to join the workforce, you’ll inevitably be faced with the decision: Should you choose to work at a startup or an established business? There are clear pros and cons to both options, though what’s best for you will ultimately be a matter of personal preference and your style of work. Here are some things you should know as you determine which will be best for you.
Working at a Startup
There are many upsides to working for a startup, but keep in mind, it’s not for everybody. If you’re the kind of person who works well on a small team taking on more responsibility from the beginning, working outside your job title, and deal well with uncertainty, a startup environment would be great for you. It has its challenges, however, especially if you’re new to getting less direction from your superiors (and you’ll have fewer superiors), taking on more initiatives, and teaching yourself. On the flipside, however, you’ll be able to give feedback and even help to shape the direction of the company, and you’ll likely learn multiple different programming languages based on what’s needed at different moments in the company’s growth. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know the company’s leadership, and learn from them about what running a company is actually like. There’s also much less hierarchy in a startup than in a larger corporate environment, so you’ll be able to get to know your coworkers more personally. You’ll also find that there’s an attitude of “we’re on this ride together,” so people will be willing to help you out with your work, stay later, or take time out of their day to help finish a big task.
Beyond the culture, there are a few other considerations to take into account. It’s rare that startups follow the typical 9-5, stable, 40-hour work week structure. It’s likely you’ll be putting in some long nights and the odd weekend, but you’ll also have more control and flexibility over when (and where) you work. The emphasis in a startup, especially for developers, is usually greater on getting the work done than on being in the office for a certain number of hours each week. Additionally, though wages at startups are not always the big bucks you might find at a large software company or more established business, you’ll likely be paid at least in part in equity. So simply put, if the company does well, you’ll do well.
Working at an Established Company
As uncertain and as flexible as startup culture can be, working at an established company is predefined and structured. Expect a clear hierarchy of authority and rank within the office, and be prepared to be viewed as at the bottom of the heap by your superiors. While this structure provides great opportunities for mentorship and learning, responsibility and recognition are often just as tied to the length of time someone has been working at the company as to ability, which can be frustrating for ambitious newcomers not used to a formalized process of promotions and titles. The good in that, however, is that by working for an established company, you’ll build your own reputation by association. Having a recognizable brand name on your resume can open doors for you when you apply for future jobs that a small startup’s name cannot. Many people find that when they work for a startup they find themselves having to explain the startup and why they choose to work there; that’s not necessarily the case with a larger, well-known company — the same goes for explaining what you do to friends, family and people you may meet.
With regard to your work-life balance, you can expect much clearer of a divide between the two. Your co-workers won’t always also become your closest friends, but you’ll nearly always be able to predict your schedule. While working at a startup, you’ll often find yourself putting in significantly more than a 40 hour work week and not earning overtime, working for an established company, you’ll find that your work day is much more consistent and that you’ll be paid for your extra hours. In general, wages at larger businesses tend to be higher than an equivalent position at a startup, and you can expect to be compensated for any overtime work you put in, though you won’t receive equity in the company.
If you prefer more uncertainty and greater flexibility, a startup may be the better choice for you — the high risk/high reward choice. If you would rather play it safe and in return be able to predict what your day and week will look like in advance and be provided with a clear structure, you may be more suited to a position at a larger, more established company. It’s important to consider how you yourself would fit into each environment and how you will grow from each, in addition to the prestige, sparkle, or cultural draw of each option.