The advantages of working for a large startup are many, including the chance to come in at the ground level of a great business opportunity. While there are definite pros to working for a startup company, there are disadvantages as well. Startup companies are those organizations that don't have a history and need to build their client bases to survive. Because they are not yet established, a new employee must live through these growing pains.
Income Issues
A large startup company could run into issues with paying its employees the same as an established competitor. Without a regular schedule of long-term business, available funds for salaries are more likely to be volatile. Income may even be negotiated as part stock or ownership in the company at the formation of a startup. When profits are slow at the beginning, paychecks may even be delayed.
Jack of All Trades
New large startup companies may require you to wear many hats at work. You'll have an easier time at a startup company if you don't expect to have your job duties strictly match your job description. Companies that are early in development may require everyone to get on board and help close a deal on time. This may mean picking up presentations at the copy center or food for a meeting.
Extended Evenings
Large startup companies may require everyone to stay beyond their typical work schedules. Larger startups might not be able to hire as many employees as necessary to run a large organization perfectly. You may find yourself working overtime on a regular basis to help get the business off the ground. If you're a salaried employee, this work might be for no additional pay.
Close Quarters
Employees at large startup companies work closely together because their job duties are less defined in the beginning. Owners and managers may feel a particular investment in having their fledgling organization succeed. If you encounter an upper-level manager who is always in your business, this can become suffocating. Startups may not be able to afford enough office space for you to have adequate room to work at first.
