Should You Consider Working for a Start-Up?

You might say we’re living in the age of the start-up. Lots of out-of-work professionals types are deciding to go the entrepreneur route and starting their own businesses. And if you are frustrated with the corporate environment, you might be tempted to go work for a start-up.

But there are some important things you should consider first. Start-up success stories always include mentions of Facebook and Google. But for every homerun, there are plenty of start-ups that flop. Start-ups are inherently risky and many fail. Trying to predict which one might be the next big thing can be nearly impossible.

While working for a start-up can be exciting and can offer that sort of “bold pioneer” feel, you will almost always be working long hours for little pay—and of course job security is a luxury you won’t be guaranteed.

Despite their bureaucratic downsides, bigger companies offer a lot of advantages, such as the opportunity to move around. If you don’t like your current boss or department, there is usually lots of room for you to go somewhere else. Larger companies also tend to offer more networking opportunities, and the chance to make connections with other professionals who share your skills and interests.

This article discusses a few other things to consider when weighing whether to risk working for a start-up.

Have you ever worked for a start-up? Share your story in the comments.

Image courtesy of ThepsNet