In the world of work, it’s not just about what you do. It’s about where you do it. Each type of organisation offers a unique set of challenges, perks, and potential pitfalls. Whether you’re looking to wear multiple hats, build a legacy, or enjoy a well-trodden path, the choice between a startup, a scale-up, or an established organisation can feel like flipping to a new page in a "choose your own adventure" book.

The Startup – “Every Day Is Day One”

Startups are the wild west of the professional world. You’ll likely be working in a small team where flexibility isn’t just encouraged. It’s a necessity. Expect to wear multiple hats, from marketing whiz to part-time IT troubleshooter. The stakes are high, and so is the potential for personal growth.

The Good Stuff:

• Dynamic Environment: No two days are the same.
• High Impact: Your contributions are noticeable and critical.
• Career Growth: Learn by doing (and sometimes by failing).

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• Stability? What’s That? Startups are inherently risky.
• Limited Resources: Budgets and benefits can be tight.
• Long Hours: Passion projects don’t clock out at 5 pm.

Startups are for those who thrive on chaos, have a DIY attitude, and don’t mind the occasional existential crisis.

The Scale-Up – “Ready, Set, Grow”

Welcome to the awkward teenage years of business. A scale-up has survived its infancy and is on the road to rapid growth. Think of it as a startup with fewer pizza boxes and more meeting rooms.

The Good Stuff:

• Exciting Growth: Be part of something scaling at speed.
• Opportunities Galore: New roles and promotions arise as the company expands.
• Balance of Chaos and Structure: Enough processes to keep things running but still flexible.

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• Growing Pains: Change is constant and not always smooth.
• Pressure to Perform: Rapid growth comes with high expectations.
• Shifting Culture: The vibe can shift as teams expand.

If you want the best of both worlds, a bit of startup chaos but with more security, a scale-up might be your sweet spot.

The Established Organisation – “If It Ain’t Broke…”

Established organisations have been around the block. They’ve survived recessions, competition, and countless rounds of hiring freezes. These companies often offer stability, resources, and clearly defined career paths.

The Good Stuff:

• Job Security: Well-oiled machines rarely stop running.
• Benefits Bonanza: From structured training programs to generous leave policies.
• Specialised Roles: Hone your expertise in a niche field.

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• Bureaucracy: Expect processes, paperwork, and lots of people to approve your ideas.
• Pace of Change: Think glacier speeds.
• Less Autonomy: Hierarchies can stifle innovation.

This path is perfect for those who value consistency and enjoy focusing deeply on their chosen specialty.

What’s Right for You?

It’s not about which option is better. It’s about what works for you at this stage in your career. Here are a few pointers to consider:

• Are You a Risk Taker? Startups will test your resilience, while established companies offer more security.
• Do You Crave Variety? Smaller teams mean more hats. Larger teams mean defined roles.
• How Much Guidance Do You Need? Startups are DIY. Big companies have a manual for everything.

Whichever path you choose, remember: it’s your adventure. You can always change course. The beauty of the modern workforce is that each experience builds on the last, giving you the tools to adapt, grow, and maybe even flip to a new chapter.

Ready to choose your own adventure? Let Just Digital People help you find the perfect fit for your next career move.