5 Reasons Why You Should Work at a Start-up

There are a lot of reasons why you should work at a start up, especially if you're just beginning your career. The company may be smaller - but like going to a smaller school, that has a lot of pros, but also some cons. If you aren't someone who thrives on change, is able to handle pressure well, and doesn't mind a non-traditional office (in terms of both hours and operations) then working at a start-up probably isn't for you.
But if you think a start-up environment is the right work environment for you, what follows are some of the benefits that you would reap from doing so.

Influence

One of the big complaints, especially from the younger generation of college graduates just entering the workforce (assuming that they can find a job) is that they feel that as the low man on the totem pole, their thoughts and insights are being ignored.
While I have never worked at a start-up myself, I have worked at small companies, and working at smaller companies (or a start-up) this is actually typically the opposite. Start-ups tend to put a higher value on the opinion of fresh blood than larger companies. As an outsider (at least in the beginning) your fresh perspective can be quite valuable to find weakness or issues with the company that others might not see because they've been entrenched in it for so long.
Plus, once you've been there for a while, your word and opinion will have more weight - there are fewer people at the table talking - and you're one of them!

Casual Work Environment

Though this is becoming more and more of a feature outside of corporate America, generally start-ups have a more laid back attitude in terms of dress code and schedule. Unless you're meeting a client or prospective investors, most won't care what you wear - as long as you show up and work hard.

Perks

There are two parts to the "perks" aspect of working at a start-up. There are many start-up companies - or former start-ups that have become solid businesses - that help keep employees motivated and loving their job through some extensive incentive and perk programs - rewarding employees with gifts and things that range from free yoga at the office, or free lunch, to discount plans for local shops or a ton of money to spend on their own work space setup. (If you gave me money to do that...I'd have like 3 or 4 monitors and a lot of gadgets!)
The other side of the coin when it comes to perks is that many start-up companies will offer incentives to employees in the form of stock options - and this is something that you can wait years for at larger companies. And if you heard anything about the Facebook IPO and followed the whole process - you know that getting shares of a company can be quite lucrative.

More Autonomy and Independence

This isn't quite the same as influence - most start-ups or smaller companies will give you more room to get your feet wet and venture out on your own. You have the ability to be creative, to fail, to grow in a community and company that will be more likely to foster your intelligence and spark your passion.
You can become an innovator, a teacher, a leader in your field - and your start-up will help you get there.

Challenge

The beauty (and horror, for some) of working at a start-up is that things change, and change rapidly. Your responsibilities will be ever-changing, and days won't often be the same. You'll be challenged to tackle new problems and you'll hit walls and have to find a way around them. It's a great way to grow your skill sets and stay involved and invigorated in your position, if it isn't the same old clatter of your keyboard everyday.

Amy Richards is a freelance writer who works with a small company that has some great executive gift ideas, so if you're ever in the mood to thank your start-up CEO for all the amazing work they've allowed you to go, check out some unique gift baskets!