Everything I know I learned in a startup. I remember the very first time I had to make a decision
between multiple job offers. I was fresh on the market, inexperienced, enthusiastic as ever and probably had no clue of what significance that early-on choice would have on the rest of my life. It was a no-brainer to go with the bigger name. Who would not want to have their name associated with that glossy, to-die-for company logo on a business card? "Me.", I told myself. It was natural and strange at the same time. I did not have the right reasoning to reject such an offer, but I did know one thing that I still carry on with me today: I would rather build my name up with a rising organization than rank myself on a pre-defined ladder at the fanciest office in town.
Not much have changed today. I am still young and fresh, thriving for success, hungry for that spark and still cannot understand how a single corporation can launch an initiative to promote a creative workspace, yet strictly enforce an 8 to 5 workday. I have worked with several big shots, local and global, which helped me get closer to the teams and their workspaces. Someone should write a book about the hidden prices those workforces pay to keep their shiny name-tags on. Unless corporates start thinking and doing things differently in-house, I will always love working at startups and here's why:
Startups are delicious: No one can truly tell you how succulent a medium-rare cut of beef is but you. Startups are the same. You dig in at your own risk and you start falling in love with risks. One bite at a time till you're addicted. And trust me that's an addiction you want. I honestly do not recall a single day waking up not feeling like going to work. If I did, that was probably the day I quit and moved on to the next one.
Startups are chaotic: I am a very organized person. Someone recently, overlooking my phone's screen, noted that I almost log everything important I do on my calendar. Well that's just not the case. At a startup, everything is all over the place. You are two, sometimes three, copies of yourself out-performing what you think you were capable of. I learned here that if you do not do it yourself, it is never going to be done. No one has the time. What is more beautiful than getting this busy? Vacations are much more appreciated now.
Startups are as good as you get: It's all on you here. You are what you make out of it. Results are as good or bad as you are. You think, you plan, you execute, you analyze and you assess. You do you. Of course there could be someone supervising from time to time, but micromanagement is always a recipe for disaster. Startups and everyone involved must always keep the focus on the bigger image. A true reflection of who I am and my capacities is revealed here.
Startups are instantly rewarding: You do not have to wait until someone in HR dials your extension and asks you to fill a form for that upcoming annual performance review. In startups everyone can be a shining star everyday. You make things happen and see the outcomes for yourself. No one denies you that credit. Expect lots of peer to peer support, pressure and gratitude. You are the only one responsible for achieving what you want out of your job. You see it and you go get it.
Startups have no handbooks: I am accused of being practical and logical yet not so book-driven. I love that. Being structural and analytical is a great thing, yet with limits. Rules and guidelines must never overpower those who make them. Flexibility is key. Startups absorb tons of data and knowledge in such a small period of time. Going by the book to tackle each incoming obstacle will slow you down, if not put you to an absolute halt. Startups have the coolest trick in the book: the trial and error method. No harm in going for your hunch from time to time.
Startups are alive: This must be my biggest drive. Grow, breathe, try, invest, meet, design, think, celebrate, change, laugh, leap, create, diversify, redefine, sigh, grasp, cry, stand and fight. Startups are so alive you will never want to sleep again. Ideas are always uploading and downloading in your system. Startups are the best power drink you'll ever have. Live, love startups.
Startups invest in you: I learn something new everyday. I experience stories from different perspectives. I do something I never knew I could. I am constantly reminded that hard work is what shatters the ceiling - not luck. Well yeah maybe luck sometimes. Still, the harder I work the luckier I get.
