Big company vs. small company vs. selfemployed

Giuseppe · 04-12-2015, 11:28 AM

Which one do you think is best and why?

I like the idea of being able to work your way up the ranks in a big company. The idea of being self employed also sounds very attractive to me, though the uncertainty of success scares me.

JayGLongBeach · 04-12-2015, 11:46 AM

I've always been a company guy; been with my recent company almost 10 years. I like working in a corporate structure/environment. I'm sure the rewards are bigger running ones own business, but I like working towards a goal of bonuses, retirement funds, paid vacations, etc... And when I'm on vacation I don't worry if something burns down at work

jthomas1600 · 04-12-2015, 06:57 PM

I'm a mariner by trade. I started as a commercial fisherman which means I often worked on the deck for the owner who was the captain. There were only 2-3 employees at any time. I loved that life. When I started in my current field (the offshore oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico) I worked as a captain on 1 of 3 supply boats owned by a small company. When I had any questions or issues I talked directly to the owner of the company. He was a great guy who treated me well. I soon however got an offer to work for one of the larger supply vessel companies that has hundreds of boats world wide. I've had training opportunities, investment opportunities, travel opportunities, and opportunities to advance my career that just could never have happened at the smaller company. I'm in a position now that doesn't even exist in the smaller companies.

So if relationships and a family atmosphere are really important to you then a small company may be the way to go, but in almost every other way a larger company is better. At least that's my experience.

**dogfood** · 04-12-2015, 09:48 PM

Im about to become a missionary. Unpaid.

***beanbag*** · 04-13-2015, 12:41 AM

i think it depends on your personality and your priorities. i work at a very large company (~300,000 or so, give or take 20,000) but despite the size it feels like a family. we have a lot of organizations, but within the orgs people know each other well despite how distributed we are. there are great benefits, opportunities for advancement, and both lateral and vertical movement are not only permitted but encouraged.

if you know what you want to do and see yourself doing it for a long time, you could probably go large or small. if you want to wear a bunch of hats, you could probably also do both but have greater variety at a small company. if you'd likd to move around and try different jobs, my opinion is that a larger company is often more stable and able to provide a varied experience.

this is just my observation and experience. i think either could be great; for me right now, large is the place to be.

Giuseppe · 04-13-2015, 02:08 AM

Interesting points. I'm asking, because in half a year I have to start applying for jobs and my option are:

1. To go into a big company (like IBM). Great posibilities to move around and to climb up the ladder
2. Smaller company/startup. I've heard it is very nice and the environment is very open and friendly. Your boss listens more to you and you have a bigger chance of making a difference
3. Start my own thing.

**bravesfan007** · 04-13-2015, 07:27 AM

I think you first have to define big and small. I work for a small company compared to beanbag's, but I also think it is large compared to other companies in my area.

Giuseppe · 04-13-2015, 07:52 AM

Hmm..

I would say that less than 100 employees is a small company...

thesteve · 04-13-2015, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan007

I think you first have to define big and small. I work for a small company compared to beanbag's, but I also think it is large compared to other companies in my area.

Yeah. In my industry (biotech/pharma) 200 is teetering on "mid-size"

darfaz · 04-13-2015, 05:46 PM

My father started a small business in 1984. For the first 20 years of existence they had the same 5 employees. Now they have about 15. It's like a second family and very rewarding ( I still do some work for them here and there). Everyone wears multiple hats and is extremely hardworking. Not for the faint of heart.

**bravesfan007** · 04-13-2015, 09:33 PM

*Make that worked*

Really though, despite the fact that they laid me off today, the smallest one was my favorite. It could've just been the owner, but it was great. It was about 1,000 - 1,200 people and only like 10 in my office. We had a blast. It got sold and then that one was sold and then that one shrank and then shrank some more and then got rid of me and I am sure that they will shrink some more soon.