What It Takes to Work at a Startup

The comprehensive guide to navigating an intimate workplace.

Working at a startup is different. There are fewer people, more things to do, less time to d*** around, and most notably, a significantly more intimate workplace. There are a lot of myths about working at a startup; people will tell you that startups are easier, there's less responsibility, and that there exists a special "culture" that brings with it a new philosophy about running a company.

Some of this is true, some of it is a flagrant lie, and almost all of it is perceived with wild misconception. The truth is that startups are far and away more difficult to work for, and that while there are less rules and more freedom, and at the end of the day, more is expected of you in exchange for this freedom. If you can't hang with that trade-off, startups aren't for you.

If startups are so hard, why don't I work for a big corporation? Because big corporations are where happiness, freedom of expression, and creativity go to die. I'm not bitter about working for a startup, in fact, at this point in my life, I wouldn't trade it for any other job in the world, but it's important to note that if you want to work at a startup, you have to be willing to challenge yourself to do better, for very little short-term return.

Being part of a startup is more intimate. The workplace is smaller, people make eye contact around the office, and you connect with your bosses and coworkers more personally. You are forced to communicate in a startup, whereas in a bigger company you could get away with working a lot less and going completely unnoticed. The margin for error with a startup is smaller, and not doing your fair share of work is unacceptable. If you make these types of mistakes in a startup you will end up letting down yourself, and the people who you have inadvertently built a personal connection with.

Again, I really do enjoy working at a startup. I merely think it's important for people to realize that a startup is not all fun and games. If you run a startup, work at a startup, or want to start a startup, keep in mind that it's most of the time it's an uphill battle. If ambition and masochism aren't part of your core values, startups may not be for you.