Big company or small?

[Ronin]

Would you prefer to work for a large company or a small one?
What are the disadvantages and advantages of each scenario?

[lana]

I would definitely work for a big company if I had to choose. Usually if the company is bigger, it is more reliable. You have health benefits, Christmas bonuses all that stuff. If the company is small they not always can provide health/dental insurance for instance, it is more likely they go out of business, and sometimes there is no room for career growth.
In the big companies you have to work longer hours though. It is expected from an employee to stay late, but in long term you will get a promotion for a work well done.

[lookingforjob]

I prefer to work for big established companies too. I work only on contracts and yet in my experience you have less work and less pressure when working for a big company compared to a small one. You can get better hourly rate from bigger companies too :)

[Paul]

I’ve worked for a small company and I tell you, it’s no fun. We were 10 people at the office and because the company wasn’t doing very well some people got fired and they didn’t hire new employees. The rest of us got awfully busy. After 2 years my boss sold the company and we all lost our jobs…. So what do you think I prefer?

[Bronco]

Ah well I think it all depends on your luck. You can get lucky with a small company and unlucky with a big company and vice versa.
I've worked for both and have no preference. In a big company you usually stay within your own small team anyway.

[Paul]

Yes I guess, but still I would prefer to work for a big company.

[cgd007]

I think both big company and small company is good for you, It's up to what you want to get: If you are older beyond 35 and want a stable salary and slow promotion, choose big company then; If you are young and want to be exercised as a expert quickly and make yourself be familiar with many product in a short term, than small company is a good place for you.

[SDuncan]

I work for a bank right now. there is not much pressure. we work 7 1/2 hours per day and I use the subway, which is great because I don't drive and I read a book. I would say, big company and location

:p

[whitey]

Yes I think there is less pressure in a big company if you are happy in your position.

If you want promotions there will always be pressure to perform, but usually you are safe in a big company as people are well settled into their positions.

[newincanada]

Would you prefer to work for a large company or a small one?
What are the disadvantages and advantages of each scenario?

I think mo matter if the company is big or small if you want to get promoted you have to work hard. Sometimes small companies pay more for the same position as big companies do. On the other hand big companies in general have more health benefits, vacation and retirement packages.

[almo81]

The Answer to the question depends on your personal preferences.

If you prefer higher, constant pay and benefits for essentially less work, less pressure, and more job security, go for a big company. Remember that at large organizations will usually have checks and backups to make sure people don't "mess up" - which means you can relax sometimes.

Also, if you need to "downshift" for personal reasons - a large company will usually be able to accomodate you. Task life cycles tend to be longer, too - which allows for a more laid back atmosphere.

If you prefer a challenging but Risky environment with potentially HUGE financial (think stock options) and professional bonuses (such as making Vice President before 30), a small company is the place for you. Bear in mind that, especially in senior positions, one strike (not even 3) could mean you're out. Also (as someone mentioned) the company might close. This tends to lead to 24/7 organization culture. Expect long workdays and calls on your cell phone at all hours. I've known people who didn't leave their office for a week-eating and sleeping (very little) at their office.

Management in Small companies tends to be more erratic (As a general rule, they have less experience) and prone to radical changes in strategy. This often leads to situations where employees are put under pressure to finish something quickly only be told to move to a completely different objective the next day - many people find this exasperating.


It should be understood that this isn't a black/white situation: There are many types of organizations in the middle between these two extremes.


Two Cautionary notes: The above recommendations are based on my experiences - Mostly in the telecommunication equipment industry - (I've worked at both large and small companies - including one that I founded).

Also, I should mention that most of my experiences are from outside Canada.

Hope this helps.

Almo

[contractor]

Hi Almo,

In Canada the corporate environment is very similar.