Is the Startup Life Right for You?

Working at a startup requires a specific type of personality — one that is adaptable and can navigate shifting roles while the company irons out its kinks. A startup employee must be risk-tolerant, as the company may fail, leaving employees scrambling to find other employment opportunities. In such cases, hiring managers may not think employment at a failed startup holds the same weight on a resume as would tenure at an established company. In light of the costs — both financial and time— there are several things to consider before accepting an employment offer from a startup company. 

Risk-tolerant or Risk-averse? 

About 10 percent of startups succeed each year, the participation in which might be an exciting opportunity for some and a daunting undertaking for others. Do you consider yourself risk-tolerant or even risk-seeking? 

Mutability or Fixedness? 

The machinery of a startup is dynamic, and your role in it may reflect its mutability. In the early stages of a startup, your roles and responsibilities may still be subject to trial and error and loose structure.  In well-established companies, the machinery has already been outfitted and tweaked to the companies’ needs prior to your arrival. 

Visibility or Behind the Scenes? 

A startup is comparable to a seminar versus a lecture. In a lecture hall, you are among many students. Notably, the absence or presence of people is less noticeable than in a seminar with fewer students. You don’t have to forge a relationship with the professor, and you can navigate the class according to your own preferences and predispositions. You may choose not to attend every lecture and learn from the textbook instead at your own pace — only governed by test dates and assignments whose due dates you are provided in advance. You can sit at the back or front of the class — that is if you choose to attend at all. 

In a seminar, you have a seat at the table alongside your peers with whom you are expected to engage regularly. Each student is expected to participate more or less equally, and the atmosphere and tone of the classroom is imbued by each student’s participation. The dynamics are dependent on students carrying their own weight and participating in tandem. You cannot complete an assignment or learn the material only in preparation for the test; you have to keep up with a collective schedule. 

Rigid Career Path or Fortuitous Career Changes? 

Because of the 10 percent success rate, working at a startup may throw you a few curveballs. Roles may change, the company may pivot, some pieces may be sold off, and company resources are often scarce. Working at a startup is a gamble, but if the company beats the odds, you may yield a potentially bigger reward than you would have at an established company. A startup is high risk and high reward, for you are sharing the fruits of the rewards with a small team. The risk — it’s likely you may be let go. 

Established Company or Experience Across Different Industries? 

If your style is more nomadic, and you want to explore several companies and verticals, you should consider employment at a startup. Some people prefer expertise in one sphere, while others prefer dabbling, especially if they are unsure of their passion and the direction they want their career to take. Given the tumultuous nature of startups, employees may have brief tenures, and the small number of employees guarantees employees access to coworkers with different skill sets whom they work alongside and consequently from whom they can learn.