Start-up Chronicles: 10 reasons to choose the path less travelled.

Internal hiring is a large part of my role as Head of People & Projects. I’m currently averaging 4 interviews per day and have noticed that candidates are either very consciously choosing to apply at a start-up or have given it no thought at all.

The first category is well prepared, excited and talks about RevoData’s mission and vision. The second category are often asking 10k+ pay rises, are speaking with a wide variety of very different companies and tend to be less prepared. I’m aware that this is a generalisation of these two categories, but it fits my observations the past 3 months.

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To me it was a conscious decision to join RevoData and immerse myself into all the opportunities and challenges that come along with a one-year-old start-up.

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Here are 10 reasons why joining a start-up is so significantly different:

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1.????Ownership and Impact: one of the best things about working in a startup is that your efforts truly matter. Your work isn't just a small piece of a big puzzle; it's a significant part of the entire picture. I personally find that sense of ownership extremely motivating. It works for me to know that what I do truly matters, that when I close my laptop at the end of the day, I know I’ve made a difference.

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2.????Continuous Learning is a driving force in my career, and RevoData understands that perfectly. In the startup world, learning never stops. The fast pace keeps me on my toes, and the wide variety of challenges and puzzles, makes every day different.

3.???? Innovation and Creativity: RevoData's culture is all about encouraging fresh ideas and creative thinking. It's not just about following the norm; it's about pushing boundaries and seeing where innovation takes us.

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4.????Flexibility: start-ups make a real effort to hire people who are aligned with their vision and mission, who take ownership and who will get the job done. A start-up then provides those talented individuals with flexibility and freedom, as it’s all about the output. To me that means I can enjoy a more balanced work-life setup. This flexibility means a healthier integration of my personal and professional life, something that's immensely important to me.

5.????Interacting directly with top-level leadership is a game-changer. In startups like RevoData, you're not just a name on an organizational chart. There is no barrier to speak with leadership, even more our CTO is the person who constantly seeks out feedback, helps others by 1-1 coaching and encourages new ideas on a daily basis. ?

6.????A sense of purpose: working for an organization where you align with the vision and the mission, gives you a large sense of purpose and job satisfaction. And let me tell you, RevoData's mission hits home for me. Being a part of a team with a clear and meaningful purpose is incredibly motivating. It's about contributing to something larger than yourself.

7.????Rapid Progression. In a startup, the opportunities for growth and career advancement are exhilarating. With fewer layers of hierarchy, your progress isn't hindered by a maze of levels. It's a straight path to your next achievement. There is no red tape, no waiting for headcount to be created for you to be promoted or any of that corporate speak. Whilst the initial job offer might include a slight step back in your earnings, the opportunities for progression in a start-up will pay dividends. You are part of the future of the company, everything you do has a direct impact on its and therefore also your success.

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8.????Diverse Responsibilities. Wearing multiple hats keeps things engaging and my skill set sharp. From hiring to project management to strategy discussions, there's so much to explore. Regardless of your role, at a start-up you wear multiple hats because you are the brand. Your presence towards the outside world counts as an ambassadorship. You might also find yourself taking a pause from writing beautiful code to go for a walk with the office dogs or turn on the toasty maker for lunch. ?

9.???? Team Collaboration: RevoData's close-knit teams foster an environment of collaboration and learning. I often hear myself say in interviews: “we have a lot of workshops and spontaneous knowledge sharing sessions, not because people have to, but because they want to”.

10.? Last but not least: Fun. I have loved all the jobs I have been in, yet I don’t think I’ve ever had as much fun as working here. I wrote an article before about beating the Monday blues, and I truly mean that. If you love what you do, and you’re in an environment that cultivates trust, learning and team spirit it won’t feel as some heavy duty you must do in order to pay the bills. I’m loving the dynamic and secretly I also love that one day I am in a strategy session, and the next I’m ordering lunch from 2 different places. Or when I’m booking an arcade game hall for the team or find myself hanging on top of a bouldering wall 3 levels higher than I can really climb, in the name of team spirit at our monthly climbing club. I love it all.

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So, if you’d like a new chapter filled with opportunities, learning, innovation, and a fantastic team then do apply for a job at RevoData and make your decision to apply and join a start-up a conscious one. Once you embrace all it has to offer, you will find yourself smitten by the start-up world.