I have had a diverse set of work experiences in my professional life. I’ve done everything from individual consultant work, to startup work, to working in a small organization, to now working at a relatively large organization. From my perspective, here are a few culture benefits and disadvantages to each:
Consultant Work
Advantages: Responsible for yourself, work on your own schedule, only work on your interests
Disadvantages: Lonesome, not necessarily considered “part of the team,” terms are dictated to you, no traditional corporate benefits, no stable paycheck
Startup Work
Advantages: Your work matters ALOT, you are probably doing something you are passionate about, you will learn ALOT, potentially large financial upside
Disadvantages: Not many professional development opportunities outside your core job, your job is your life, no/little paycheck until (if) the business grows
Small Organization
Advantages: Stable paycheck, (usually) local impact, (usually) set work schedule, family of colleagues
Disadvantages: Few advancement opportunities, family of colleagues isn’t likely to change
Large Organization
Advantages: Stable paycheck, good benefits, (potentially) global impact, (usually) set work schedule, advancement/development opportunities
Disadvantages: Bureaucracy, segmented responsibility
The nice thing about careers is that they are not static. The real opportunity is for you to experience different types of organizations throughout your career, and choose the type of organization that best fits your lifestyle.
Tweet at me with #BOptions, and let me know what should be added or changed!