Choosing a Career in a Company: Small Companies vs. Large Organizations

Is your dream job with a small company or a large organization? It’s common for professionals and executives to have a preference when considering a career in a company and employment options. While many people may have a primary reason for wanting to work at a small company or a large organization, most individuals haven’t compared the differences and the implications on their careers. So, should you seek out innovative start-ups and small companies? Or, are you impressed by large, established organizations? To assist with your career planning, we’ve compiled a list of the significant pros and cons when working in large organizations vs. small companies!

Pros of Employment in a Large Organization

1. You might gain immediate prestige/respect in your field. Many large organizations have a positive reputation nationally or within their region. Being an employee of a specific firm or company can serve as a resume booster and open doors within various associations.

2. There could be better comprehensive benefits. Receiving highly regarded benefits such as vacation accrual, unlimited time off, and additional 401K contributions are more often found within large companies.

3. They might have more employee development opportunities and defined bonus structures. Many large organizations have created bonus and rewards programs to acknowledge high-performing employees. It is common for them to have more established development programs based on leadership development, coaching, and mentorship.

Cons of Employment in a Large Organization

1. You may feel like just another number. If the company you work for has hundreds or thousands of workers, you might feel like it’s difficult to get to know people. Sometimes, you might feel like you’re part of a long assembly line, making it difficult to see the impact you’re having.

2. There can be a lot of internal bureaucracy or red tape. The more people a company has, the more managers, decision-makers, and stakeholders are usually involved in every decision. While it is great to have an elaborate system of checks and balances, this can lead to nothing ever getting achieved or done.

3. They may not be open to change. Once many companies reach a specific size, there is a consensus that they are succeeding. As a result, there can be an unwillingness to discuss process improvements or resistance to change.

Pros of Working in a Small Business

1. You can engage with and get to know your coworkers. When employed with a small company, many professionals get to know and bond with their colleagues. Many employers can maintain their company culture at this size, including having a relaxed, fun, or open environment.

2. There’s a high likelihood that you can be cross-trained and increase your skillset. You might be called on to take on a challenging project, fill in for another employee, or learn a new skill. If the small company is expanding, you could easily find out about new positions or promotional opportunities being made.

3. They can implement changes quickly and be innovative. Smaller companies can generally be more elegant than larger ones. Because there aren’t as many people or decision-makers involved, it’s more common for them to make and enact the changes quickly.

Cons of Employment in a Small Business

1. It’s possible that your benefits won’t be as good. A significant point of concern when considering smaller companies is the benefits package. Often, small employers cannot offer the range of incentives and benefits that large organizations can provide.

2. If the business is not growing, you may have limited upward mobility. In a small, stagnant operation, you might feel as though you have “maxed out” when it comes to career opportunities or growth. There may be nowhere to go in terms of advancement or varying positions.

3. Due to the business size, there might be undefined roles. Sometimes, workers are forced to wear many different hats simultaneously in small companies. This could lead to one person doing two, three, or more jobs because the company can’t hire additional team members.

It can be difficult to find an organization or company that is the right fit for your career goals. Are you drawn to the defined nature and name recognition of a large company? Or, do you like the quaint, personable feel of a small company? Maintaining a career in a company in either environment can be great, depending on your goals. After reviewing our lists, which company size would you prefer?

Still find yourself looking for ways to boost career growth? Fly High Coaching is always here to help. We offer expert professional resume services and career coaching to help you improve throughout your career journey or make a career change. Contact us today to get started taking action on your career goals or check out our FREE Kick Start Your Success course for more ways to improve your career situation.