6 Reasons Why You Want To Work For A Startup
Working for a startup isn’t for everyone. It takes a whole lot of patience and dedication to making it work. There will be nights you fall asleep to the soothing sounds of slack notifications, weekends you spend prospecting instead of out with friends, and days where all you do is put out fires. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies but, it is without a doubt worth it.
Whether you’re a recent college grad or well into your career here are 6 reasons why you want to work for a startup.
1. The Responsibility
First and foremost you will have an immense amount of responsibility regardless of your position at the company. If you’re not pulling your weight then your other team members and company as a whole will suffer the repercussions. You could be filling an entry role position but, your responsibilities will go way beyond that. I say this not to scare you away but to help you realize the amazing opportunity you will have to grow your personal skillset.
2. The Opportunity
There are a plethora of opportunities waiting for you at a startup. Since you’re most likely a small team you’re going to have to wear many different hats throughout your career and maybe even the day. A huge lesson to be learned is that you are not limited to your job title, there will be many opportunities to explore all the different roles at your company.
3. The ability to learn
Like I said you will be exposed to many different aspects of the business which means you are going to LEARN a lot. You will learn how sales generate leads, how engineering does their planning, and how marketing runs campaigns. You will also get to learn directly from the innovative individuals that started and built your company. Their knowledge and insight are extremely valuable and something you otherwise would not have access to.
4. The Culture
When you enter a role at a new company you are being submerged into their already existing culture. But, when you work for a startup you get to help define and create that culture. Imagine an office where you’re actually friends with your coworkers, where you genuinely celebrate each other wins, and where your CEO quite literally wears Birkenstocks and sweatpants every day. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to create a culture that you get to feel comfortable in.
5. The Flexibility
Every company is different but more often than not there will be the option to work from home(or your favorite coffee shop) a couple of days out of the week. This gives you a much-needed break from the office environment and helps keep you productive and motivated. Even the day to day hours are flexible, so no more rushing to doctors appointments during your 30 minute lunch break or missing your kids piano recital. As long as your work is complete and you’re ready to take on tomorrow you’ll get to watch Little Susie's rendition of twinkle twinkle little star.
6. The Passion
You will feel an immense amount of passion for your job. When you work for a startup you’re not dragging your feet to work and doing the bare minimum until 5 o’clock hits. You’re walking in to work ready to kick some a**. You sincerely want to do your job to the fullest, and once that’s done you’re making up new tasks that aren’t even in the realm of your job description. Why? Because this company is your baby, and you do whatever it takes to help it succeed.
Startup life is no easy task, the stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the odds aren’t in your favor. But, there’s also no other place where you will have the freedom to be creative, encouragement to take risks, or opportunity to advance your career. My recommendation for anyone considering a career at a startup is to go for it, it's hard work and there will even be times you feel like giving up, but the value you gain there is unsurpassable to anywhere else.
Cheers!