the startups.com platform about startups.comCheck out the new Startups.com - A Comprehensive Startup University
Education
Planning
Mentors
Funding
Customers
Assistants
Clarity
Categories
Business
Sales & Marketing
Funding
Product & Design
Technology
Skills & Management
Industries
Other
Business
Career Advice
Branding
Financial Consulting
Customer Engagement
Strategy
Sectors
Getting Started
Human Resources
Business Development
Legal
Other
Sales & Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Public Relations
Branding
Publishing
Inbound Marketing
Email Marketing
Copywriting
Growth Strategy
Search Engine Marketing
Sales & Lead Generation
Advertising
Other
Funding
Crowdfunding
Kickstarter
Venture Capital
Finance
Bootstrapping
Nonprofit
Other
Product & Design
Identity
User Experience
Lean Startup
Product Management
Metrics & Analytics
Other
Technology
WordPress
Software Development
Mobile
Ruby
CRM
Innovation
Cloud
Other
Skills & Management
Productivity
Entrepreneurship
Public Speaking
Leadership
Coaching
Other
Industries
SaaS
E-commerce
Education
Real Estate
Restaurant & Retail
Marketplaces
Nonprofit
Other
Dashboard
Browse Search
Answers
Calls
Inbox
Sign Up Log In

Loading...

Share Answer

Menu
Early-stage Startups: What are the pros and cons of joining an early stage startup rather than a corporation?
JB
JB
Joy Broto Nath , Global Corporate Trainer & Strategist answered:

Pros and Cons of working in an early stage Start-up company is as follows:
The Pros:
1. It is a unique experience: It's not always gaming rooms and skateboarding in the hallways, but start-ups know how to pull off a favourable work environment. Creativity and innovation grow the business, so a stimulating workspace is crucial.
2. You learn a lot: Start-ups place loads of responsibility on their employees. They will hire you because of your skills, but founders expect much more. You help with everything at a start-up. Often, it is work outside your job description, so opportunities for learning and growth abound. Founders and employees work together; there is no middle management, so you learn from the best.
3. Employees work without supervision: They make smart decisions and take responsibility for the consequences. The chance to steer progress motivates them to perform well.
4. You can innovate: Start-ups need to grow fast. If they cannot keep up in the fast lane, they'll crash out. Employees have the license to show off their brilliance. They deliver results with fresh designs and new concepts that capture consumer interest.
There’s pressure to break new ground, but dynamic energy drives progress at start-ups. Pride in growing the company and sharing in its ups and downs creates a tight-knit team.
5. The perks: Money is not one, but plenty of other perks keep employees happy:
1. flexible working hours
2. working from home
3. shorter work weeks
4. a casual atmosphere
5. gym and other health facilities
6. employee discounts and free services
7. free food (and sometimes drinks!)
The long-term benefits include sharing in the spoils if the company thrives. That could mean a senior position and/or employee stock options. Bill Harris, the former CEO of PayPal, says that businesses know they have the power to attract the best talent through employee equity.
6. Job satisfaction: Employees share in the birth, growth, and success of the company. That is why it is an attractive career path for this generation. They want to belong to something special. When the company does well, they can be proud of their contributions.
The Cons:
1. The workload is heavy: Expect to work long hours, with few holidays and vacations. Start-ups must capitalize on trends quickly, and early growth is vital. Employees work around the clock to make this happen, so stress and burnout are possible.
2. Job stability/security: You'll love your job, but you may not keep it long. Research by UC Berkeley & Stanford and other contributors suggests that over 90% of start-ups fail within their first three years! Tech start-ups face the threat of technological advancements and new inventions wiping out their business. Start-up founders have a brilliant idea and secure enough seed money to start a venture. But that does not make them experienced leaders. A lack of strong mentors affects job stability.
3. You do not earn much: Investors do not dangle a huge salary in front of aspiring entrepreneurs. They pump funds into operating costs, product development, and growing a customer base. In most cases, salaries are lower with start-ups than with traditional companies.
4. What social life: You might have fun at the office, but you work hard too. Employees work under extreme pressure to avoid losses, so do not count on having much of social life. Work-life balance is tough, and exhaustive hours at the office can take a toll. Start-ups fight to survive even when they reach great heights and are more established. Technology changes fast, competition is fierce, and small missteps can have big repercussions. That is why many start-ups struggle after going public.

Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath

Talk to Joy Upvote • Share
•••
Share Report

Answer URL

Share Question

  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Google+
  • Share by email
About
  • How it Works
  • Success Stories
Experts
  • Become an Expert
  • Find an Expert
Answers
  • Ask a Question
  • Recent Answers
Support
  • Help
  • Terms of Service
Follow

the startups.com platform

Startups Education
Startup Planning
Access Mentors
Secure Funding
Reach Customers
Virtual Assistants

Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.