Having worked in IT for more than 24 years, I have a wide range of experience working for companies as large as 10,000 (10K) employees to companies as small as 10 employees. Differently sized companies offer unique benefits and drawbacks, making it difficult to claim one is better than the other.
The sections below will discuss the pros and cons of working with large and small companies, allowing you to decide which setting aligns better with your personal preferences.
10K Company Pros and Cons
A company of 10K typically creates a team atmosphere by placing an individual worker on a team within a group, which is within a division within the company. The various organizational levels of a 10K company tend to be highly structured with documented processes and procedures. These clear levels provide ample opportunity and a defined path for moving up within the company.
Because a larger company has more resources, a 10K company can offer their workers premium benefits, such as health coverage and plenty of paid vacation days. These benefits can boost employee morale and increase motivation.
However, working for a 10K company often involves dealing with workplace politics. Most of the lower-level workers will never see the company’s CEO, making it more difficult to appreciate the value of their work and more likely to have a sense of detachment from the company’s overall mission and success.
10 Company Pros and Cons
In a company of 10, the environment tends to resemble a family atmosphere with an emphasis on work-life balance and flexibility. Working for a smaller company typically minimizes workplace politics and grants every employee direct contact with the CEO and company leadership on a daily basis. This level of influence allows individual workers to have a significant impact on the direction of the company overall.
With a greater amount of responsibility and visibility at a 10 company, many workers find working at a smaller company more awarding. Although smaller companies often have less resources, they still offer the company bonuses, year-end celebrations, companywide awards, and team building activities also provided in a 10K company.
While hard work does not go unnoticed at 10 companies, workers are often asked to do more because there are fewer employees to share the workload. Workers should also be prepared to be flexible and adapt to unanticipated or new tasks becoming part of their job description.
Choosing Between a 10K Company and a 10 Company
When determining whether to work for a company of 10K or a company of 10, the decision comes down to what you are looking for in a work environment. Despite the differences in their office cultures, both kinds of companies offer distinct opportunities for career advancement and innovation. In my own case, I started out in a wonderful career with a 10K company.
Recently, however, I have transitioned to a 10 company. While having a more creative mindset was an adjustment at first, I enjoy the feeling of knowing my work is not going unnoticed.
Ask yourself what you are hoping to get out of your next job and choose the type of company that will help you reach your career goals. Whether you choose a company of 10K or 10, you will encounter plenty of opportunities to build your skillset, acquire expertise and advance your career.
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