A big company or a Startup? That's the question!

Can you really think of such an alternative? You graduate from the university, your life is right in front of you. There is nothing you cannot cope with for the future. And there are numerous amazing companies both all around the world that you can apply to: BMW, Google, McKinsey, Venture Capital Companies, Hedge Funds, SpaceX or Tesla… I am carried away as I’m writing.

There are also startup companies that nobody even heard about. Companies with big dreams. People who call themselves entrepreneurs. Some who haven’t figured out how to earn money. Others are very much at the beginning of the path, waiting for surprises everyday. There are of course some growing businesses among them, growing so fast that it is obvious they will be successful in the future.

#1 Do not ask your closed surroundings

When we have to face these kinds of important decisions we always look for our friends and families opinions and support, but most of the time they don't help us, and even mess us up more. If you ask your father, you can start working in a big company in a few days; if you ask your grandfather, he might not like both and tell you the government is always the best; if you ask your best friend, what would they say?; and, what about your partner?, would s/he say “Oh no my dear, we were going to get married, what’s the Startup thing?” Or “Yes my love, go ahead with the startup?

I think you can be really indecisive. So, do not ask your closed surroundings. Never do so. The answer of your question will always be within the family and relationship context. Go and ask people who you are not really close with. You’ll see, you’ll get more fruitful answers.

After you decide who to ask and who not to ask, let’s go back to the initial question.

#2 A big company or a Startup? What’s your preference?

Let’s go back to old times, then. 15-20 years ago you had no startup opportunity. This means you are the lucky generation. Unfortunately this does not solve your problem. For instance, being a consultant or investment banker were the two most popular occupations 25-30 years ago. Today, consultancy is not as popular as it used to be, however it’s still considered a good occupation; and banking, thanks to Lehman Brothers, has lost its attraction especially abroad. The dream world of ‘Wall Street’ has fallen behind.

We are turning back to today: what else do you need? Salary information? I think there will not be much difference between the two. At least let’s think in that way. But I can hear you saying “the salary is important”. Then go to the company which gives the highest salary immediately. For instance arms production, cigarette companies, etc. Oh, and there is also a dimension called happiness. This means the meaning of your job or loving what you do. Are these important? Then let’s find the companies which have changed the world. Seems like the startup idea is getting popular. But, what about private health insurance? Oh no! Where is this coming from? Then, let’s consider a big company again, my friends. These fluctuating ideas are a part of this process. Since day one, you will always have the other option in your mind and think that they are better (however, I must say whatever you decide on, it’s not the case)

#3 Should I bet on a startup?

Startup is such a place where the excitement and stress you go through lead you to new places. The stories of company dinners and parties, personnel bringing their best friends to the company... The day comes where you find yourself in a very intense world, and people who left this world have become entrepreneurs later on and started working in other companies- but I don’t think they have been to such an intense emotional working environment.

My humble suggestion for you is to follow your heart. There are various criteria. You won’t be able to survive by analysing the dilemma. Give startup a chance and dance with the flow of the music. If you like it, you will have an unforgettable experience. Please have no doubt about this. If you do not like it, keep in mind that big companies will want experienced people.

Oh, there is also the third option, of course. Being an entrepreneur.? If you would like to be the person who makes the music, I think this is the most exciting option. However, this is not the main topic, so I will leave it for another article.

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