Confused between big corporates and startups

Hi folks, thinking of writing a regular mini blog here about my learnings being a generalist in the ecosystem. I currently handle growth at an ecom startup and have previously been through 2-3 startups + a large corporate in my 7 year career. #1: Why you should not stay only in startups Recently started reflecting on salaries of many peers who are also startup folks and trying to see where it stands. There are 3 cohorts: a. People who started out in Big 4/Corporate & then became a generalist: They've been underpaid the most. First pay was 4-5L, and when they transitioned to startups, started at 7-9L. Over time, growing from there is difficult without MBA. b. People who have forever been in startups: They earn more than A on average. But here too, there is a delta in their salaries vs. people with same YoE who went to an MBA and are in corporate now. Side note: I've seen this cohort has usually loved what they've done, and being in startups definitely has positively impacted their thought process. c. People who went to a corporate/big tech etc. mid way: This cohort has done the best long term. Their pay got recalibrated when they went to a larger company in the middle through their career, and when they rejoined startups, they were respected more in salary negotiation. This is to anybody out there who is a generalist and sees a similar path. Try to sandwich a proper, large company in your career. It gives you perspective on whether you like it and if startups is really your preferred route. And it also recalibrates your pay. Startups will limit you basis your last salary. Corporates have standards basis bands. Just something to think over. NOTE: Do share feedback, if this makes sense. And if you'd like to read more of these too.

What is your take on Software engineering learning in a startup than in a Big tech ? Like how does it impact one's career growth ? P.S. Please consider Zomato etc. to be big tech and not startups. Thank you

Should I work at well-named startups or companies to work at (eg: CRED, Infosys, etc) with less pay? Or Should I work at unknown startups or companies (eg: early-stage startups or local companies) with higher pay? (x2 the salary here). Note: For the above, the experience & designation are the same. The question is related to future work prospects does working at we'll name brands help me get higher pay in the future?

I have been interviewing for my next role and was interviewed by a well funded startup with high EBIDTA margins, great management but when it came to offer they offered me 10% to what I currently draw. The CHRO stated that we are a startup and not a well established multinational firm who can pay well. On the other hand the multi national company offered me 15% hike on my existing and their VP HR stated we are not some well funded startup who can pay well. Now this makes me wonder who is actually paying well. I have not shared my offers with either as it's against my negotiating principals to use offers against companies. . I can negotiate based on my skills and talent. It's a position of chief information security officer at the start up and Director Infosec at MNC. Job profile is mostly same.

After seeing the salaries on the grapevine of Startups and MNC's, what are u more likely to join ?? What are the perks of each one offer ? How much do u believe these salaries???

Hi All, I have 8.5 years of experience. iit + iim (recent 1 year mba ). initially I worked at analytics KPOs , then I worked on my own startup. post that I worked with a b2c startup as a program manager . Worked in growth, analytics , cross functional etc etc Then post mba , I am again working at a startup managing a team of business analysts. I feel like my career is not really going anywhere. I have become a "generalist" suitable for early stage startups but I do not want to work at startups any more. what do I do ? How do I move into bigger companies for better stability OR find a stable suitable startup where I can become a VP (but then a VP of what ? )

Hola 👋 fellow grapeviners, so in short, I currently work in an early stage startup and I really love the work. Recently, I have a dilemma that should I stay in the startup ecosystem or to go to big tech giants. Obviously 🙄, In mncs the work won’t be rewarded as much as the startups, but i will get good money and wlb. Can anyone show some insight to me?

Engineering grad. Transitioned into marketing right out of college. ~2 years of experience. Started out on a shit pay, currently underpaid but getting good exposure and learning a lot. This was a conscious decision as I am focused on learning, growth and personal development. Feedback is, I have made massive professional progress in the last 1.5 years and the company too (at my request) is giving me more agency to explore and diversify my skill set. This means; mainly more responsibilities, a few operations related decisions & tasks and a few sales calls and client presentations. I work at a very small startup and I feel, despite having the opportunity to learn here, the environment or mostly the pay is too shit/low. I am already a star employee here and I feel it would be a good time to switch, to be amongst a group wherein I can get more challenges and opportunities. Of course, a higher pay would be wonderful as well. While, job switching is an option, I am also thinking about doing an MBA. I feel if I can build upon this momentum and get into a good college - it would negate years of grind that I would have to put (in the current scenario). I really would like you good people to analyse my situation and help me out, please. TIA.