Working in a big name firm, does not necessarily mean “better”

There may be a perception that “big is better”.

i.e. that working in: Tata Consultancy / Microsoft / Facebook / Amazon or

…is better than working in smaller companies with “unknown” names and with headcounts of less than 150……but why?

(A) Job Security?

Is your job really safe(r) at these “big” companies?

These companies sometimes fire entire departments of people – it may be rare, but consider carefully whether it really is “safer”.

The only safety you have is working hard. And this applies in small and large businesses.

(B) Small Cog In a Big Edifice

If you’re working in a large corporate office: you will be a commodity resource – an employee. In other words:

• you will typically have a very defined role – a small cog in a big wheel, with little independent autonomy, and little room for creativity. That might be stifling for some people. In other words, it is hard to be big AND “agile” at the same time – more people means more politics. More people means you have to play it safe. More people means your competition will counter-position your offering.

(C) Benefits of smaller offices:

• in a small office, your role matters a lot: you will be directly responsible for the success / downfall of the office.
• greater exposure to all sorts of problems. You will become a more rounded employee. Small firms do not have dedicated departments for each distinct function of their organisation like Amazon. We do not have dedicated “customer care” teams. YOU ARE the customer care team. We do not have a compliance department: YOU ARE the compliance department i.e. you need to make sure that all applicable regulations / standards are being followed. This means you are more likely to become a “complete” worker.
• The ability to promote your own name / reputation. We give opportunities for staff to promote / market their work and knowledge on our platform. This means that once your name is established, you will be secure, perhaps forever. I do not know any other firm who does this, and gives such opportunities and freedom to their staff. Why not take advantage of it?

(D) Bigger Pay

Perhaps you might get more today at a big company rather than a “risky” wage increase tomorrow at your current company. But consider the pay implications of smaller businesses: if it grows: you’re getting in at the first floor. Especially so if you help in “grow the pie”.

Maybe those things don’t interest you. Maybe money and brand is the only thing that matters. If so, then switch. But if other things do matter, consider them carefully before leaping.