Which is better , to work in a big stable company with many employees or in a small but developing one ?

I work in a big organization " Orange Business Services " as a customer technical support , I'm still junior , have many many collegues doing the same job as mine. I've been working there for 8 months I have another chance to work in a small developing company in the home automation field . Which to choose ??

Public Comments

  1. Depends on what you want from our career. Some folks want, above all other things, a steady paycheck and the feeling of job stability. For many, a big company provides that...far less than it used to, but still more so than the small start up. If what you want is more excitement, the opportunity to make a difference, the rush associated with risk and "going where no man has gone before" - or simply the satisfaction of building something new - for many the small developing company has a great attraction. But there are risks associated - the small company can fail for all sorts of reasons - mismanagement, poor financial discipline, too much competition, etc. I've worked for both kinds of companies, and prefer the small developing ones - your mileage may vary. Best to you - hopefully this at least provides some food for thought.
  2. If you believe in yourself, I suggest that you should go to the smaller one. There you can do more things you really want to do ,I think. If you are really very good, a very small company can also be a very sucessful place.
  3. If you want security, stick to the big company as it's been in business longer. If you want advancement, go to the smaller company and grow and adapt with it. If you want peace of mind, go with the one who offers better benefits AND retirement options/401K's.
  4. I think developing one, but there can be risk also if anything goes wrong with new company.
  5. Smaller in size in not a problem, see the longitivitiy of the company and join. One added advantage is since it is presently small and if it growing in future then you will be the senior most and would enjoy all the benifits. If the company is not growing then also you can switch off the company to another once which is growing faster. In short going to the small company would be better.
  6. This depends on 3 things: 1) What's your tolerance for risk? Smaller companies will give you better chance to move up quickly and/or make lots off stock options, but they come with the risk of going broke. Are you single with no responsibilities? Or do you have a wedding and/or kids that MUST be cared for. 2) How well can you analyze the risk? This is up to you. Is the little company going to work? 3) What's the risk/reward proposition? How much more will you make? What's guaranteed? What's potential? What about intangibles? Does the little comany offer a better work schedule, friendlier environment, better people? Or does the big company off perks you might value, like education $ or good health insurance? There's no right answer. You need to analyze your unique opportunity. If the small company isn't a sketchy scam or a bunch of ignorant frat buddies, I would suggest you go for it if you're young.
  7. I would be of the opinion that you stick with the big organization but experience has taught that a developing company might be a greater risk to invest in but the rewards are greater. Think of it this way in five years if the growth and development continue climbing at the same or higher rate you pay and benefit would tripple or be more that of your present job, not to mention the opportunity of growth the company would offer. In the end the decision lies with you since the outcome can go either way.
  8. I believe that is a personal option. Some people enjoy working in the big, fast-paced work environment, and some enjoy working in a small company. Which do you think you would enjoy working in more? Just remember this saying I got at a meeting for a management class with H.E.B. "Work to live. Don't live to work." Something like that, it's been awhile. In case you're wondering H.E.B. is a big grocery store chain in Texas and parts of Louisianna and Mexico.
  9. Both choices have advantages and disadvantages. You should think about your future very carefully and plan accordingly. Large companies are sometimes easier to get a career with, however most large companies are only interested in the bottom line. It is easier to "blend in" if the job you are doing is only a job. Small companies are usually the place for "fire-breathing go-getters". The problem is that if the business survives the first 3 years, it may be bought by a larger business. Another problem is the 3 year thing. Something like 80% of small businesses don't exist after 3 years, however....IF your ideas and hard work helps a small business survive you could be well rewarded. I have done both large and small businesses, and if I were 45 years younger, I would find a small company. Hopefully I could help that company become a large and successful company. Remember one very important thing; ANY relationship requires two things. Trust and Communication...without these, there is no basis for a relationship to exist.
  10. If you are young and ambitious without any immediate need for the big bucks- go for the smaller company as u will grow along with them.
  11. Of cause small one
  12. 8 months is not long enough with the large company. Stay 2 yrs, minimum and take advantage of all the training/opportunities you can. "Developing" may be another euphemism for struggling. Can you afford to not get paid occassionally, fewer benefits, uncertain future? To make a productive contribution to a small company, you need to bring lots of skill, vision and hard work with you. The fewer the people, the more contribution each person must give. Good luck...