Tip: 10 Reasons You Should Join A Startup

Whether you just graduated from college or are looking for a new job, you already know how stressful and daunting of a task that can be. But, did you ever consider thinking outside of the box and consider a startup?

Sure. There’s a lot of uncertainty when joining a startup. And, it’s not a decision that you should make lightly. 

Which is why you need to do a little research and find out if you're a good match for the team or if there’s even a chance of this pipe dream taking off. But, once you’re done asking some important questions, you may discover that there’s big opportunity waiting for you.

So if you’re frustrated with the typical 9 to 5 rat race and are looking for something new and exciting, then check out the following 10 reasons why you should join a startup.

1. Startups Are Hiring

If you’re job hunting, then you already know that it’s tough out there. Between cutbacks and competition from other potential employees, landing that dream job -or any going for that matter - is a bit of a challenge. 

However, that’s not exactly the situation with startups.

There was a study conducted by Silicon Valley Bank that found an astounding 9 out of 10 tech startup executives claimed that they would be hiring in 2013. The research also found that executives from software, hardware and cleantech startups were the most likely to bring in new employees. The study also revealed that 82 percent of executives stated that they were looking for candidates with strong STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. Finally, and this is where you come in, 9 out of 10 executives claimed that they expected to have a challenge finding the right people.

2. Potential Ownership or Growth

While a startup may not be able to pay a nice, fat salary, or anything at all, there is the possibility that in return for your hard work you’ll be offered something really valuable, like ownership, stocks in the company or opportunity to become some sort of high-level executive. While not valuable at the moment, what if the startup takes off or is acquired? We think that owning a portion of the startup would be really appealing then.

But, it’s just not about the money. There more not even be the opportunity for the startup to succeed. But, this is a type of incentive that will make you bring your best work forward. It’s one thing to clock in from 9-5 everyday, it’s another to build a company from the ground up. And you just can’t put a price tag on that type of pride and accomplishment.

3. Awesome Work Environment

People who have worked at a startup will proudly inform you that the work environment is awesome. That could be anything from a more informal dress code, allowing you to being in your pet or have a cold one with your colleagues after a hard day at the office. The list could go on and on.

But, are they crazy or making some sort of statement? Not really. It’s just a technique to keep everyone happy.

Working at startup can be hectic and stressful. And, as you already know, the checks aren’t all that great. As compensation for all of the long hours and less pay, startups try to create a positive, energetic and fun work environment.

4. Responsible For Various Tasks

Unlike most jobs where there is a clear description of what the job entails, you may be asked to perform a number of tasks. That may bother some people, but it’s a great perk for those who get bored easily or want to learn new tasks. For example, a startup may hire you because of your accounting skills, but you may also be asked to create content that is relevant towards for finance for the company blog. Now, you handling payroll and are a writer as well. And, who knows, you may discover that you enjoy writing more than crunching numbers.

While working at a startup you’ll have the opportunity to do a lot of various tasks and jobs. Even if you’re not all that familiar with a job, you learn as you go. And sometimes that hands-on-learning is the most effective. It’s exciting, if anything else. But, overall, this will make you a stronger and more well-rounded employee and individual.

5. Get Inspired

When working at a startup there is no way that you can’t get inspired by the people who founded the company. These are entrepreneurs who have the passion and drive to make the world a better place. That excitement has to wear off onto you as well.

If you want to work somewhere that has innovative ideas and an enthusiastic team, then this is it. There’s an exciting vibe when you work through those doors everyday and it’s bound to spark something inside of you.

6. You’ll Be Pushed

As mentioned earlier, you may be asked to do more than just one job. But, that’s a great chance for you to push yourself, not to mention those long hours. But, this is a chance for you to dig deep and prove to yourself and everyone else that you can rise to any challenge.

We don’t know about you, but there’s something exhilarating about that.

7.Learning Experiences

We touched on this briefly, but you’re going to be learning from some outstanding innovators and entrepreneurs, as well as, some incredible colleagues. And, if you don’t think that that matter, here’s what ex-Google employee Piaw Na told Quora about his experience with startups:

1. At my first startup I met Reed Hastings (who was the CEO). The folks at that startup taught me how to negotiate, how to run an engineering team, and most of all, how to respond when engineering management doesn't appreciate engineering. The company IPO'd and I learned a lot about how to manage stock options that way.
2. At my second startup, I met Jeff Rothschild, Steve Grimm, Marc Kwiatkoski, Larry Hastings, and Mike Wolfe. The company IPO'd during the dot com bubble, and then crashed along with the rest of the market. Kwiatkowski taught me everything I know about how to do releases, a key skill that Google would hire me for 5 years later. Note that even if I'd missed out at Google, Jeff would have grabbed me for Facebook, and I could have joined Reed again for Netflix. The quality of people I'd met in just 2 jobs at tiny companies far exceeded the contact list of peers who went to work at Oracle, Microsoft, or Intuit.
3. My 3rd and 4th startups allowed me to put everything I learned together, and hone my skills.

My take on this is as follows: if you join a startup, you're learning everything about a company and engineering. If you join a big company, you're learning a lot about a very little domain, and if you want to get anywhere, you'd better learn how to be a great office politician soon. Where your talents lie should determine where you work, not vice versa. Any mismatch will cause unhappiness, and life's too short to make yourself unhappy for the sake of money.

There’s a lot to digest there, but there is a common theme. Collbarotating. Along the way, Piaw Na learned new skills from his colleagues, which he used to his advantage to advance his career. That chance to grow as a person and employee are absolutely priceless. And you can thank your peers for showing you the way.

8. No Red Tape

While there has to be a hierarchy within the startup, there is no bureaucracy. This means that there is little or no red tape. And, why exactly does that matter. Because you have an easier time to speak with the important people involved with the startup, who know the mover and shakers. Because of this access, your ideas and eventual projects can get the feedback and approval to move along more quickly.

After starting my last startup I found out how amazing this actually was. Now I have the ability to execute on anything and everything I've ever wanted. You become part of a small team where you are always a key. This comes with responsibility though. Now if things go wrong it's all your fault.

9. Your Work Will Be Recognized

Because you’re a part of a small team, you’re work will get recognized. That’s not saying that that couldn’t happen at an established business, it just means that there’s more of a chance getting noticed when there are only a few members of the team. No need to worry about feeling under-appreciated or having an idea stolen from you by a backstabbing co-worker.

You’re all on the same team when at a startup. And, you all have the same goal; to succeed.

10. Meet New Connections

While you have the opportunity to meet new colleagues in any position, there’s something about that close-knit group at startup that could be beneficial down the road. As mentioned early, you’re all in this together. In a way, it’s you and your team vs. the world. It doesn’t get any more powerful than that. Along the way your peers will bring out the best in you both professionally and personally. However, they could go on to launch their own startup and they may ask for your assistance. Or, maybe you’ll need their help if you move on to something else.

But it’s just not your peers. When involved with a startup you’re going to come across everyone from vendors to clients. This a great way to network, in case you didn’t know. Even if it doesn’t advance your career, you’re going to meet some really great, interesting and influential people during your journey.

Joining a startup isn’t for the weak. It can be a crazy world where you work your tail off for peanuts. But, it has some amazing benefits that can make you more complete individual.