28/09/2023

Navigating the job market is like walking through a maze, and understanding the difference between startups and corporates can be the key to making informed decisions. But first, let’s clarify what we mean by these terms. A startup typically refers to a young company, may be venture-backed (that’s ‘Venture Capital Backed’ for the uninitiated) or self funded, in the process of developing its product or service and business model. In contrast, corporates are well-established firms with steady revenue streams and often operate on a much larger scale.

In other words, When I say “startup”, think young, energetic, possibly living on coffee, and hoping that the next venture-backed dollar doesn’t slip through. Meanwhile, “corporate” is that older, wiser entity, sipping on a sophisticated latte, with processes and a good chunk of the workforce that doesn’t remember the last time they pulled an all-nighter.

From my misadventures over the past 15 years – tripping over small firm pebbles and occasionally getting lost in corporate labyrinths, I’ve learned a thing or two.

The Money Talk (Because, Priorities!)

Startups, particularly those with venture capital backing, often feel the pressure to grow quickly and outpace the competition. This necessitates hiring the best talent. Since they can’t necessarily promise long-term stability, the compensation package may be at a premium. Equity Stock Options (ESOPs) are often thrown into the mix, serving as potential long-term financial incentives. The aim is to spoil employees with choices and money so they don’t even think about leaving (classic hiring and retention strategy) which is also sometimes called “golden cuff”.

Corporates prioritize stability. They’re more established, with structured processes and a significant workforce. While they might not always match the high salaries offered by some startups, they offer a more stable work environment, comprehensive benefits, and a longer-term association.

Bootstrapped or those startups with limited funding face unique challenges. Lacking deep pockets or significant external funding, they might not offer competitive salaries. To counterbalance, they often provide equity or other ownership forms, which, if the company succeeds, can lead to considerable returns.

Opting for a high-paying, high-risk job at a startup is a choice, not a compulsion. Such roles come with their share of challenges:

Job Security: The fast-paced nature of startups can lead to swift role changes or even layoffs.
Long Hours: Many startups expect employees to work long hours, especially in the early stages.
Limited HR Resources: In smaller companies, grievance redressal might not be as streamlined as in larger corporations.

Startups are a bit like rollercoasters. Exciting, yes, but also possibly nausea-inducing. There’s the thrill of rapid growth, but also the queasiness of job insecurities, and the head-spinning long hours. Oh, and if you have a grievance? Good luck finding someone to complain to who isn’t also your lunch buddy.

Now, as for corporates, think of them as the steady carousel. Sure, it’s more predictable and less adrenaline-pumping, but hey, you know what you signed up for, right?

Startups, especially fresh ones, make you wear multiple hats – they love a ‘generalist’. But corporates? They’re all about specialists with their neat, tidy departments often not crossing paths with each other. Corporates need process to be followed by people, where as startups is where people define processes and sometimes they themselves will ignore it for better outcomes.

Beyond The Bucks

Culture and Environment: Startups often exude a vibrant, casual, and flexible atmosphere, while corporates have a structured hierarchy and a formal setting.
Learning Opportunities: Multifaceted roles in startups offer broad learning, while corporates often provide specialized training and upskilling.
Growth Potential: Rapid personal growth is possible in startups, while corporates offer defined career paths.
Employee Welfare and Benefits: Startups might offer unique perks and a close-knit community feeling, while corporates often present comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and work flexibility.
Vision and Mission: Some job seekers might be attracted to the ambitious, world-changing goals of a startup, while others might resonate more with the longstanding objectives and larger impact of a corporate entity.
Network and Brand Value: A stint at a recognized corporate can add significant weight to a CV, whereas startups can offer a close-knit community and unique networking opportunities.

Now the hard hitting fact which people dont talk about. Payment is always to offset something. Employees are paid to work which can give benefit to organization. Startups don’t know how long they will last so to attract talent, they might offer these enticing ‘golden cuffs’. But with their unpredictable nature, they might also be quicker to let people go. This abundance of money or perks? Often, it’s just to sweeten or offset that instability.

My suggestion: if you aim for startup path (applies for all paths to be honest)

1. You pile up enough cash so you can handle negative situations.
2. Dont live like a king/Queen assuming your monthly salary will be ever present.
3. Focus on basics, live frugally, save first, spend later.
4. dont increase your expenses, increase your investment when you get increment or extra money.
5. ESOPs are a promise of potential riches, not guaranteed money in the bank. If they come to you, use them wisely dont spend, invest (property is investment, rental property is investment, a vacation with family is an investment)

To wrap it up, whether you’re drawn to the ‘seat-of-the-pants’ thrill of startups or the ‘this feels like a warm blanket’ stability of corporates, it boils down to what makes you want to jump out of bed every morning. Or at least, what makes the alarm clock’s incessant beeping slightly more bearable. So, put on those adventure boots, chart your course, and may the job-seeking winds always be in your favor.