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Assessing your fit for any job is crucial, but start-ups have more unique considerations than conventional companies. Before you leap into working with that cool company with the staff bar, ice cream cooler or beer Fridays, author Dayton English lays out some pros and cons.
We’ve all seen the incredible – and seemingly overnight – success of some successful start-ups. Many early Facebook employees parlayed the extraordinary gains of their time with Mark Zuckerberg into prominent positions at other organizations like Adobe or LinkedIn.
Mistakenly, early start-up employees have dreams of an IPO or stock options dancing about in their heads. The reality is, that while some lucky start-up teams do receive a generous payout for their early contributions, it’s probably not in your best interest to assume you’ll receive the same good fortune.
Regardless, there is a certain cachet attached to working at a start-up, but before you jump at the chance to join one, consider your values and career goals – and how they might align with start-up culture. Assuming you’ve done your due diligence on a prospective outfit, here are three important points to consider.
Change is constant and fluid
In a start-up with several relatively new employees – especially when a new product or service is being rolled out, most or all of your colleagues will be on the same learning curve. In a traditional environment, the impact of that learning curve is typically reduced through people management and other company tools intended to ease the challenges of integrating new employees.
However, at a start-up, you’re often required to think quickly on your feet and make sound business decisions that contribute positively to a dynamic environment. Some people thrive in uncertainty and constantly and rapidly evolving workplaces; it can be a great way to learn.
You will wear many, many hats
Along with constant change and growth, employees must be able to evolve within their roles. The benefits of the flexibility include the opportunity to contribute in several diverse ways – which can help you rapidly acquire and refine skills.
Some people thrive in uncertainty and constantly and rapidly evolving workplaces; it can be a great way to learn.
Because start-ups don’t often come with lots of capital, doing double (and sometimes triple) duty is often a cost-saving necessity. By taking on a role with a start-up, you’ll be called upon to employ many of the strengths that got you hired in the first place (from your social media wizardry to your accounting prowess) – and earn the appreciation of your co-workers.
There are always cool perks…and hidden downsides
Start-ups don’t necessarily compensate better than a corporate environment, but are often known for unique and enticing perks. Having access to free food and onsite resources, like a gym, are exciting. But bear in mind they’re designed to attract employees and encourage longer hours at the office.
Prior to pursuing a position, it’s important to be honest with yourself and take an inventory of what’s important to you in your career development and growth. If your priorities and the start-up ethos align, there can be an opportunity for a rewarding and exciting career path!
Dayton has a background in marketing and communications and is passionate about the issues that influence professionals in his field. He obtained his Masters in Professional Communications from Royal Roads University. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.