Here's how you can choose between a startup or established company as a mid-career professional.

Risk vs. Balance — Startups are like riding a rocket: thrilling, unpredictable, with equity that could soar. Perfect if you're financially set to handle the volatility. Take my buddy at a late-stage industry giant: predictable hours, solid benefits, but misses the adrenaline. Then there’s my other long-term partner, who jumped from a corporate gig to a startup and thrives on the chaos that leaves room for rapid ascent. Weigh up where you stand: craving the thrill of potential and chaos or favoring stability and structured days? Your lifestyle choice dictates your career path here.

1) Are you comfortable with some instability for high growth potential? 2) Work style: Do you thrive in a fast-paced, wear-many-hats environment, or prefer a structured role? 3) Impact: Do you want to see your work directly influence the company's direction? 4) Startup: What's the funding stage? 5) Is the product/service a good fit for your skills? 6) Established company: Does the role allow for growth in your desired area? Is the company culture a good fit? 7) Startup: Equity potential vs. lower base salary and benefits. 8) Established company: Strong benefits package and stable salary, with potential for slower career progression.

- Short-term vs. Long-term: Evaluate whether you are looking for immediate impact or long-term stability in your career. - Passion and Purpose: Reflect on your passions and the impact you want to make to determine if a startup or established company aligns better with your purpose. - Skill Development: Consider the skills you want to develop and whether a startup or established company can provide the necessary learning opportunities. - Leadership Opportunities: Assess your desire for leadership roles and the potential for taking on more responsibility in each type of organization.

Choosing between a startup or established company as a mid-career professional involves weighing factors like risk tolerance, career growth opportunities, and work culture preferences. Consider the potential for impact and innovation in a startup, balanced against stability and resources in an established company. Evaluate your skills, values, and long-term career goals to make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and personal circumstances.

It's all about you and what you want Startups are high speed high uncertainty but also higher freedom Established companies are slow, low uncertainty but also low freedom. Right your personal goals and compare them to both situations

- Financial Stability: Evaluate your financial situation and determine your ability to handle potential fluctuations in income or job security at a startup. - Adaptability: Consider your comfort level with ambiguity, rapid change, and the need to wear multiple hats in a startup environment. - Failure Tolerance: Assess your willingness to take risks and learn from failures, which may be more common in a startup setting. - Equity Compensation: Understand the potential upside and risks associated with equity compensation, which is often more prevalent in startups.

When you open an investing portfolio in a bank they identify your investor profile. Are you risk avert or not? Are you in a time of your life where you want to settle buy a house ? Are you single? Can you partner support both of you if you get to lose your job?

Many Startups fail. That's a fact. So, if you're after a long term, low risk, role, then don't choose a startup! Startups can, however, be so rewarding when you get it right and there are ways to minimise the risk by only joining a startup with a decent runway and path to profitability.

- Work Environment: Evaluate whether you prefer a more structured, hierarchical culture or a more flexible, fast-paced environment. - Collaboration: Assess your preference for working in a team-oriented setting or a more individualistic environment. - Communication Style: Consider your communication style and whether it aligns with the typical communication patterns in a startup or established company. - Values Alignment: Ensure that the company's values and mission resonate with your own personal values and beliefs.

Most of people who quit their job is because of bad/poor manager. Money is great but quickly gets wiped. The culture in a company is essential Ask to meet multiple employees of your futur team and ask yourself. Do I see myself working with them?

Gauge your gusto for going solo — In a startup, you're often the pilot and the plane. Relish the autonomy and the speed at which you can make a mark. But, be ready: without established structures, you'll need to navigate with less support and more uncertainty. Decisions can flip fast, requiring you to adapt swiftly. While the impact can be monumental, remember, the odds are tough, only 1 in 10 startups soar. In contrast, larger companies offer steadier, though smaller, wins. Choose where you can play your best game.

Cash vs. Comfort — Diving into startups often means a lower upfront salary but potentially lucrative stock options. Think long-term growth versus immediate gains. On the flip side, big firms usually offer higher salaries and solid benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Where’s your comfort zone? Are you ready to trade a steady paycheck for a stake in a potentially game-changing venture? Consider your current lifestyle needs and future financial goals. This choice isn’t just about income; it’s about where you see your career and life heading. Ready to bet on yourself?

There are many differences between startups and established companies - for instance: many startups require long hours that may not be conducive to a good work-life balance. Mid-career professionals can evaluate work culture, consider growth opportunities, as startups can facilitate rapid career advancement. During the interview process they should weigh job stability against the potential rewards of a successful startup. Ultimately, they should prioritize an environment that aligns with their personal values and desired work-life equilibrium.

- Flexibility: Evaluate the level of flexibility offered in terms of work hours, remote work options, and work-life integration. - Burnout Risk: Consider the potential for longer work hours and higher stress levels, which may be more common in a startup environment. - Support Systems: Assess the availability of support systems, such as mentorship programs and employee assistance resources, to help maintain a healthy work-life balance. - Vacation and Benefits: Compare the vacation policies, healthcare benefits, and other perks offered by startups and established companies.

As a startup founder, I really loved creating an environment where I was forced to wear multiple hats & learn all aspects of my business. My employees were also able to develop different skill sets and have the freedom & flexibility to experiment and tap into their strengths. I currently work in another startup and while it’s not structured the same way an established company is, I love having a small team. You’re able to move and make decisions quickly. If you’re entrepreneurial, or curious about different roles within a company, I think it’s the perfect environment.

- Learning and Development: Assess the availability of training programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources for professional development in each type of organization. - Exposure to Different Functions: Consider the potential to gain cross-functional experience and work on diverse projects in a startup environment. - Advancement Potential: Evaluate the opportunities for career advancement and the speed at which you can progress in your chosen path. - Networking: Assess the potential to build a strong professional network and connect with industry leaders in each type of organization.

Regardless of where you are in your career it's important to consider the size of the organization alongside the role you're pursuing. It's not only about growth opportunities - it's also about how large of a team you want to be a part of, how much experience you have going into said role, and how much you want to create vs maintain infrastructures. Understanding exactly what you want helps mitigate any surprises when you get there.

Midcareer employees—those between the ages of 35 and 54—make up more than half the workforce. One in four has managerial or supervisory responsibility.

- Salary and Benefits: Compare the base salary, bonus potential, and benefits offered by startups and established companies. - Job Security: Evaluate the relative job security and stability in each type of organization, considering factors such as funding, market position, and growth trajectory. - Equity Compensation: Understand the potential value and risks associated with equity compensation, such as stock options or restricted stock units, which are more common in startups. - Long-term Financial Goals: Align your financial considerations with your long-term goals, such as buying a house, starting a family, or saving for retirement.

Examine the industry & market position of the company. Startups in emerging industries might offer innovative and exciting opportunities. I worked for a startup in the renewable energy sector, where I was at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies. Established companies in mature industries can offer stability and well-defined market positions, which can be advantageous for long-term career planning. Look at the training and development opportunities provided. Startups often offer on-the-job learning experiences and require quick adaptability. At a startup, I had to learn new skills rapidly to meet the evolving needs of the company.

Evaluate your career goals and risk tolerance; startups offer innovation and rapid growth opportunities but come with instability, while established companies provide stability and structured career paths. Assess the work environment and culture; startups may offer flexibility and a dynamic atmosphere, while established companies often have formal structures and defined roles. Consider your personal and financial situation; startups might require more time and energy with potentially less immediate financial reward, while established companies offer steady compensation and benefits. Balancing these considerations will help you make an informed decision aligned with your career aspirations and lifestyle.