Moving from a stable path, in a secure job to a startup can be a shock to the professional system. Startups are spontaneous, fast paced, different to established companies. People have to wear 2 or 3 hats, do multiple roles, and be aware of everything that is going on. It can be a big difference. Leaders in a startup might be accustomed to doing things in a certain way, their own way, and not answering to bosses or the board. Moving to a startup can be a big decision, but can also benefit your career and be a steep, but effective learning curve. It is less structured, you do more tasks, therefore you learn more things. Your skill base and your experience levels can be skyrocketed. Strap in, it can be an exciting ride.
Unlike from established businesses, younger businesses are much more fluid as organizations. Standard operations include flexible hours, casual dress codes, informal meetings, and occasionally working from home. If you are not accustomed to this kind of set-up, you might need to breathe for a while and stop your old routines. It is a new work culture that you need to embrace, a new business mentality toward workflows and procedures, and getting the job done. It is exciting and rewarding, you can really make an impact quickly.
The corporate world is far from any scrappy startup setting. So assuming that you really wanted to work in a startup, here are a few recommendations to prepare you for the adjustments and new perspective you’ll need in this younger environment.
- Know your goals – it is ideal to keep in mind the reason why you wanted to make this major shift in your career. This will guide you throughout your working days in a startup, and help you contribute better in the team.
- Know your pitch – ideas continuously flow in a startup since they are just beginning to travel down the road of success. Likewise, always fuel yourself with ideas that can help the startup company build its brand in the market.
- Know your style – since you will be working with more independent individuals, it is important to keep in mind how you will finish the job effectively. The thought of joining a startup can be enticing, exciting and positive. The founders are heavily involved in the work, so make sure you align with the founders’ values and vision. If you think the company’s culture doesn’t fit yours then you will not last long in the business.
In the United Kingdom, there are almost 672,890 startups founded in the tax year 2018 to 2019. With such a number, you should make sure that you have chosen what startup company you think you would fit in.
