Anybody here has any experience with startups?
I got an offer which I have been seriously considering, but I still can't get rid of that startup related fear - what do I do if it fails?
There is very little job security at Dell, but I think the risk is still higher with a new company trying to break through.
Is the risk worth it?
startups require a level of commitment that most corporate positions do not. First you will need to believe in the product and put in the work required to provide it to the market. Yes, you will work long hours, many nights you will not sleep depending on your position. In the end you will reap the benefits and be happy you were a part of the process. If you don’t have the level of commitment needed to forward your company to acquisition or IPO, you should just punch the clock and collect your salary. Don’t mean to be harsh. I worked for three startups in my past. The first two failed yet the last one was a windfall. During the first two I did not benefit beyond my regular pay but I learned more about myself and also learned more about technology and it prepared me for the one company that did finally succeed. Believe in yourself and believe in what you do and bring to the table. As long as you strive for success, you will achieve it. If you sit around waiting for a hand out, that option is also available yet not as satisfying.
I am working in a mid-size company (~2000 employees) after I left Dell/EMC and I am very happy with it. Much better than the behemoth, much more nimble and informal without unnecessary (micro) management .. The smaller the better, people!
I was in startup for 4 years outta my 15 year career. 95 or even more percent of startup’s fail. I got burnt out in the startup. Put all my life energies and lot of personal equity at stake. Sacrificed my family life for 4 frilling years. Did not see my son growing up those times. It was just not worth it. Last 8 years in Dell has brought balance in my life. I will continue till I get laid off and then look for another big corporate to sell my skills. It is the age of faint capitalism folks. There are very few miniscule startup’s who succeed. You never hear the horror stories of failures. Never will I get lured into these mirage of being independent and blah blah. Dell is awesome. I love my wife and kids and vacations and paid time off .
I’ve done startups and huge companies. After getting walking papers from Dell I quickly resurfaced at a medium-sized company. I didn’t have very much trouble finding a new job.
To do well at a startup you need to be extremely committed to doing what is required to make it succeed. Part of that is a lot of time, but it’s also an attitude - being willing to do whatever job needs doing. It can be a ton of fun - I’ve great memories of my time at startups and might do it again at some point in the future.
Financially the potential reward is great. On the other hand, if it fails you’re out of luck. With no severance - something you do get at large companies.
having mentioned below, if you are a long termed Dellian, forger about it. You won't survive. Dell pampers and give preferential treatments. whatever skills you gain surviving here is a sack of b---s--- in startups. Unless you are sure you are independent and resourceful forget about it. Just go to another big brother corporate or something.
it is worth it only if you are willing to sacrifice your work life balance and job security for at least 3 years. after that companies will fight to hire you, if you survived and learned to wear many hats.
The risk is always worth it