Developers are choosing startups as they radically differ from working in a big enterprise. Things can get quite dynamic in a startup work environment. When the need arises, you might be asked to juggle two or even three different projects at once. This doesn’t necessarily mean that startups overburden you, just that they are much more flexible in planning and following schedules.
On the other hand, things are much more structured in a big enterprise, and employees have to follow a rigid schedule. However, an early-stage startup gives you more freedom to do things your way compared to a corporation that has followed the same practices since its inception.
Startup or a Big Company – A Smart Developer’s Choice
In the tech industry, developers can experiment a lot when they are a part of a startup. Indeed, the startup might not be able to compete with huge IT giants when it comes to salary, but there are other perks that they might offer better.
Here is why smart developers are choosing to join a startup over big companies these days.
1. Enhanced Skills
Developers choose startups to enhance their skills and learn new things as they work closely with the founders. There are several opportunities to learn new things which might not be possible in the cases of IT giants. As a developer, you might be asked to work on multiple tech stacks as per the projects. This will help you get familiar with multiple stacks, which will be beneficial in the long run.
However, in the case of MNCs, the tech stacks are usually pre-defined, and there is no room for experimentation. In the case of a big company, roles are clearly defined, and people are expected to do only what they have been hired for.
Job positions or roles don’t bind you to perform specific duties in a startup. You might have been hired as a trainee or junior developer, but you might be asked to take up other important projects as well if and when the need arises.
Also, since everybody works closely in a startup, there is a chance to gain knowledge about other areas such as marketing, design, testing, etc.
2. Freedom and flexibility
As already stated in the previous point, startups have room for experimentation. You are free to suggest and develop new ways of doing things, and the chances are that those changes will be incorporated. For instance, if you are an engineer, you might be asked to use your own judgment to finish a task without taking any help from another team of developers. There is always the possibility of you learning enough skills to consider starting something of your own someday.
There is also more flexibility when it comes to working hours. On some days, you might be asked to put in extra hours, and on others, you get to choose when you work. The strict 9-5 culture is popular in big companies but not so much in a startup.
3. Fast career growth
In a startup, you grow with the company you work for. Imagine how wonderful it would have been if you were among the first 100 employees at Facebook. After all, every tech giant today was once a startup. Hence, career growth is exponential in a startup, and climbing the ladder is relatively easier compared to an MNC.
It is quite common for people who were there at the beginning to take up senior positions later on. As a developer in a startup, you might find yourself holding a managerial position in a short span of time.
4. Greater responsibility and impact
The impact of your work is much more in a startup when compared to a large company. This is because, in a startup, you have more responsibility. You might be tasked with developing the code of a brand-new product with new technologies. The final result would be something that gives you a sense of satisfaction. It is always nice to know that several people are counting on you for important tasks. Isn’t it?
However, when we look at a big tech company. You will be asked to enhance an existing product. So, yes, your work would matter. But you probably won’t get the chance to develop something brand new.
5. Work environment
Lastly, the work environment in a startup and a company is quite different. Pick a tech giant if you want a strictly organized job with little room for experimentation and a high salary package. However, if you want to learn new skills, have a greater impact on the company, and work in a constantly evolving environment, choose to work for a startup.
We hope we helped you understand the reason behind developers picking startups over big corporations these days. For more informative articles, read our blog by clicking here.
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