10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Join a Start-Up

So I am working for a Start-Up now. Wait, I’ve actually been working for Start-Ups for almost 7 years now.

Start-Ups weren’t so popular earlier, at least not in Singapore. But now, these guys are mushrooming like…well…wild mushrooms! And I see more and more young fresh grads clamouring to join a Start-Up because of its perceived sexiness. But let me tell you, working in a Start-Up sucks! I know, because I am working in one!

Here, let me give you 10 compelling reasons why you shouldn’t be hankering to join a Start-Up anytime soon:

1) Too many Responsibilities

Marketing, Sales, Accounts, Admin, HR, Finance. You are expected to know the workings of every department. This screws up your mind totally. One day you’re a fresh grad, next you know you’re doing research, taking interviews, learning SEO/SEM/CPI/CPM, making phone calls, selling stuff, learning how to balance P&L, pitching to investors etc. Who wants to learn all that? Sheesh…

2) Casual Atmosphere

There may be no Jackets, Ties, Business Suits and Polished Dress shoes. Your boss may come to work in torn jeans and sneakers or a short skirt…ahem. There will be a casual atmosphere with a lot of unnecessary chit chat, leg pulling, laughing, banter etc. Office politics and work stress may be non existent. A lot of young colleagues, eager to learn and share information. Seriously, this is not what you wasted your 3 years in Uni for!

3) Tremendous Professional Growth

Most Start-Ups that survive have a growth plan and trajectory in place after a while. I mean they have to. And if your start-up takes that route, imagine the unnecessary time you’d have to waste in racking your brains to come up with processes, procedures and systems that will form a guide for future employees. Now why would you want to be a part of decision making process?

4) Media Exposure

You may get embarrassed with all the media exposure over your Start-Up or its founder. Your boss may get interviewed on TV, Radio or Print and you may get tired of accepting congratulatory messages from friends, family and acquaintances who know you are working in that company, because, let’s be honest, which Start-Up junkie doesn’t update their Facebook and LinkedIn? Worse still – YOU maybe interviewed and then it’s YOUR Mug on TV, Newspapers and Magazines…Oh the shame!

5) ESOPs

Seriously? Employee stock options plan? Are you kidding me? Do they think you’re so naive that you will trust them blindly? Who wants to give their staff a piece of their company just like that as a recognition of the all good work you are expected to do and will do anyway!

6) Possibility of making Crazy Money

Refer to #5. Think Series A Funding. Then think Buy-Out. Then read your ESOPs contract. Then go crazy! Do you really want that? Possibility of becoming a millionaire (or a quarter or half millionaire) after just a few years of working? No Sir, I Think Not.