Any typical workplace is always beaming with energy, but when it comes to a start-up it is not very easy to describe how versatile its environment can get. Whether you look at it with awe and wonder or are confused towards how things actually work, a start-up is always a place which will present an absolutely different professional culture in front of your eyes.
Owing to the people working together as a closely knit circle, it has a completely different atmosphere, mindset, people, work dynamics etc. Every different startup has dissimilar funders and managers who might not have the approach which you would have been expecting prior to joining the company. There is a greater prevailing feeling of ‘togetherness’ when it comes to startups as they share their highs and lows as a team with everyone trying to grow parallel to the organisation.
But before you accept a job offer from a Start-up, there are a few things that you should keep in mind-
·Why a Start-up? At the very beginning, right before you commit, ask yourself whether you actually want to work for a startup! If you really love working in an environment of that intensity and have dedicated problem solving skills, the only should you proceed forward with your consideration.
·Financially backed or not? It wouldn’t hurt to say that many a time startups are rendered out of cash even before they start churning out revenues. Lest such a scenario arrives one should be prepared beforehand. Without much doubt we can say that the source of a start-up’s money is the key factor of its stability. So choose your workplace wisely in terms of monetary matters.
·The Founders aka the Backbone- Job seekers should research about the founders well in advance. Make sure they don’t have a history of fraudery!
Pay special attention towards tracking the leadership of the management team and the CEOs.
·Do you trust the Product/Service-? How much do you expect the product or the service to go in the near future? Deep down you should feel secure about the product which you’ll be working upon. You should truly believe that the product has enough potential to go on in the competitive environment.
·Risks and Rewards- Something which is completely inevitable to avoid while joining a startup is the possibility of risks and equally probable prospects of rewards! If you join a startup in the very early stages you might be lucky to make a substantial impact to stay long for a greater reward or might find yourself in a typically risky situation.
·Watch out the Culture- The corporate culture at startups is completely different than at a well-established startup. A very heavy sense of community prevails in a startup and the whole culture is highly dynamic.
·Expect long Work hours and Multiple Roles! Before committing to work at a startup, be ready to face the nuisances of the same. Expect to work till late but at the same time you’d be enjoying the perks of working at a startup- onsite recreational activities, gyms, free food and friendly people! But be ready to perform the role of all and sundry as nicely as you can be of use to your workplace.
