Career Advice: Does Company Size Matter?

The Benefit of Experience

Those of us who have had longer careers have the benefit of experience. I've worked for large and small companies, poorly run companies, mediocre companies, and excellent companies. Looking back, they were all great learning experiences, and I wouldn't change anything even if I could.

As for company size, although I understand it may not always be the case for everyone, I've enjoyed my experience at smaller, well-run companies even over larger, well-run companies. While the smaller companies could not quite compete from a compensation and benefits perspective, they offered to work in a tight-knit group, provided a breadth of experience, used various skills, and had much more employee flexibility. More importantly, my efforts had a tangible impact when working for a smaller firm.

Savvy small businesses know what they're up against in providing top-dollar salaries and comprehensive benefits packages, so they find other creative ways to retain employees: flex hours, work from home, and a less formal environment. Working for a smaller firm is certainly not for everyone; some may prefer a more corporate, structured environment than the one offered by Fortune 500 firms. Not to mention the pride of climbing the corporate ladder in a prestigious household brand company. I get that, but I know that wears off fast when working for a boss you don't like or with colleagues who don't share the same values.

Whenever anyone asks me what they should do when selecting between a larger or smaller company, aside from compensation, which is a huge consideration, I ask them, What are the people you will be working with like? I think that matters most when selecting which organization to work for. Aside from that, there are other pros when working for a larger company. Sometimes larger companies can have a smaller company feel if you work in a department fostering healthy relationships that interact as a unit with other parts of the organization. And one of your advantages in a larger company is the mobility you might not have in a small company. Don't like the team or boss you are working with? Ask for a transfer within the organization.

In a smaller company, you're more stuck with the people you work with because you will most likely get to know just about everyone to one degree or another, and you can't just transfer to another department if you're not getting along. You would need to leave the company altogether. Leaving a small company is quite painful when you've fostered relationships and developed a history with those you work with daily. 

What I have always liked about working for a small business, and now running a small business, is the impact your actions and decisions have on the organization. In a larger company, it typically takes years to climb the corporate ladder where you have a position with a broad-ranging impact.

Of course, where you are in life will affect a big part of your decision.

Here are the top 3 things to consider:

1. Is the compensation with highly comprehensive benefits vital to you? Or do you have some flexibility considering other perks the company might offer?

2. Are you looking for an opportunity to significantly impact your company, or are you willing to contribute what you can?

3. How important is flexibility at this point in your life? Flex hours, work from home, etc.

   
   

   

So Does Company Size Matter?

In closing, company size matters; however, I want to underscore the importance of multiple experiences. Ironically, working for a poorly run company made me appreciate a well-run company so much more. First-hand knowledge helps you know the difference. Taking a job is always a risk; do your research, but you won't know what it's like until you are in the chair for a while. Above all, big or small, don't stay at a place where you find it challenging to get up in the morning and start your day.

Life is too short for that. 

Are you looking for a new job? View our job board or submit your resume.