Finding that perfect workplace

Do you want to be a big fish in a small pond or small fish in a big pond?

This question is a really tough one for almost all professionals. Well, don’t get too excited reading this, because I don’t think there is a right answer for this, as each person is unique, and so are one’s desires and passions in life. But I thought I would give a shot at this question from the perspective of someone who has done quite a bit of both over the last 17 years…

Most of the time, this questions arises when one is trying to pick the right company and the right job. In other words, everyone wants to be “big”, no doubt about that! The real question that remains to be answered is how small is the company for you?

Yes, I am talking about the difference between working for start-ups vs. for large corporations. Let’s start with the textbook definitions: According to Wikipedia, a start-up is a newly created company, a partnership or temporary organization designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model. A corporation is a legal entity that has been incorporated either directly through legislation or through a registration process. Of course, I will use this word in a slightly modified meaning, to describe large business corporations.

Let’s start with the ‘new kid on the block’, the start-up. Even the name is exciting isn’t it? Yes, it is new, it is fresh, it is an all-white blank page. There are no pre-set rules, none of the old-school practices, no paperwork, no hierarchies… It is free spirit, exploring new and exciting opportunities is not only allowed but it is encouraged. Nobody is breathing down on your neck to catch your mistakes, you have all the freedom to do it your own way. Everybody knows you by name, everybody is looking forward to learning from your experience. You are your own boss. When you ask for permission to do something, most of the time the response is ‘why are you asking, why are you waiting, go try it out’. How cool is that?! And of course the workspace, it is different, the first things to catch one’s attention is the welcoming rest areas, the hip design, the pool table, maybe even the pool! Who doesn’t want to work here?

And now, let’s look at the large corporations before we jump to a conclusion.. The first thing you see is the huge building, or maybe even the campus. None of that ‘we are located on the basement of the run-down building over there, and when you enter, we are all the way to the far right’ crap. All of these buildings are ours. When you come in your first day, your workspace is ready, even your name tag, and your computer, you plug it in and start working. Don’t know anybody yet? No problem, they have a 2-week orientation program already laid out for you, and in case you are still uncertain about something afterwards, there is a well-documented process that captures 10 years’ worth of knowledge for you, right there, a click away. Wait, don’t forget to schedule some time for that training, designed just for your own self-development, so that you are a happier employee. If you want to do something, you can ask to someone who knows, there is no ‘re-inventing the wheel’ around here, it is all about efficiency so that you can do your job as fast as you can and as well as you can so that you can take off at a decent time and create that work-life balance you have been craving for. Who doesn’t want this now?

Well, the phrase ‘There is a flip-side to everything’ hasn’t been said for no reason. Can anything be so perfect? Of course not…

Let’s look back at that compelling start-up you almost signed up for. Remember all the freedom and the flexibility? Well, all that space is usually filled up by an entrepreneur or a founder, who is full of ego. Why wouldn’t he? - Of course, this person could also be a she, but please don’t make me write he/she for the rest of my blog, focus on what I am saying :) - Of course, this is all his! He created all of this, and he is nothing but success (so far..) He has all the right to say and do whatever he wants and you need to do exactly as he says. He is the boss, you just have to deal with it.. Oh, there is also that thing he asked for, you don’t know how to do it? Tough luck, you need to go try it, learn it, fail on it, try again, because this is all new, remember? That know-how you are hoping to find sitting next to you, I am afraid that doesn’t exist my friend… And yes, please keep that cellphone on 7/24 because all of a sudden you might just be needed in the middle of the night for an urgent matter (yep, you guessed right, all matters are urgent!).

And that corporation, where everything looked so well structured and so efficiently organized, well wait until you hit a 10-feet high wall trying to accomplish something, because that is not how you do it around here.. There is a form you need to fill out first, and then go get five approvals so that you can even start thinking about it. Trying to get a bigger picture on where your great work fits in on the overall? Well, that information is confidential, and you do not have authorization to access that part. And that badge you forgot to carry on you, please do not repeat this fatal mistake again, or else you will be given your first official written warning…

Well, if you are wondering what is the take-away from all this, here’s another great phrase that fits here perfectly: ‘The grass is always greener on the other side’. The professional life has something to offer for everyone, and at different stages of their life. I am not saying one type of work culture is better than the other one, but I can definitely say that I have learnt a lot from all the companies I have worked at so far, and still learning. Starting your career at a well-established organization may be definitely an advantage, because the place simply acts as a professional school, and it is much easier to build up your experience. Once you reach a certain stage of your professional career, the start-up environment can offer a lot of opportunities to show yourself and contribute while still earning a great deal about the big picture. Just as you may have a tendency to feel ‘too old’ within the youngsters of the start-up, you can always ‘grow your pond’ and try to create a new challenge. If you are going to take one advice from all this, be the best you can be, no matter how big or small the company is and the world has always something bigger and better to offer to you! And if you are going home happy at the end of the day, then you work at the right place…

An important footnote: None of this information is related to a specific company or a specific set of people I worked with, so if you are one of those ‘sensitive’ ones, please don’t take this at all personal, this is not about you, it is all about me…