When applying for a job, one of the dilemmas we often experience is whether to work for a small company or not. There are many factors to consider, like the scope of responsibilities, the salary, the benefits, and the resources that are available to you at any given time. We are going to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of working for a small company and leave the decision to you.

The Upside

We Are a Team

Small companies develop closer relationships among employers. This is crucial, as you need teamwork to survive and thrive on the market. It is always comforting to know that, in special circumstances, others will have your back and do what needs to be done.

For example, if you get stuck on a task, there will usually be people around you able to pick up the slack. They would do it because they know you would do it for them, too. No worker is left behind.

Versatility

You will not just have one job in the company. Your responsibilities are going to be greater and less specialized than if you worked in a big company. If you work with computers, you will learn how to troubleshoot computer issues, for instance. The more responsibilities you have, the better your job prospects look in the future.

Being Indispensable

If you are a part of a small team, they will try to keep you on for as long as possible. Training a new employee in everything you know and do around the office would lose the company some valuable time. You are needed.

The Downside

Your Salary

Unfortunately, small companies will expect you to do a lot for the money they can afford to pay you. Sometimes, this isn’t much. In fact, on a competitive market, some of the skills you have and the tasks that you do would earn you more money if you worked for a bigger company, or as a freelancer.

The Benefits or Lack Thereof

Smaller companies have access to fewer resources than the big dogs. This means that your healthcare, commute, job security, and pension are not as secured as in big companies.

Taking a paid vacation isn’t very likely in a small company – not because they don’t believe you are worth it, but because the company would feel financial strain if you were to take a few days off. This also means that you will likely have to work on weekends and holidays you would spend with your friends and family.

The Hours

Big companies have a huge amount of paperwork to specify how many hours a week you have to work, as well as how many you can if you want to. This is often not the case with smaller firms, as work emergencies may have you come in on your day off.

Big projects your company works on require all employees to put in a lot of effort to keep the company afloat and to make a profit. There will be double shifts and overtime you may not be compensated for.