Working in an MNC vs working as a solo product designer at a seed stage startup?

I am thinking of switching from a decent sized company which is profitable to a seed startup. What all things should I evaluate while making the decision?

I'm a UX designer in an MNC with almost 2 years of experience. I want to work on a mid size / small design team with strong design practices. Does anyone have recommendations for companies I can consider? I am looking for places where design contributes to product decisions, strategy, rather than simply executing the PRDs.

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.

been working at a product based startup as the only ui/ ux designer for over 6 months now. work is usually solving for and designing new features, or thinking redesign from user grievances. the products were already designed for them by an agency before my joining and feel poorly designed to me, but does the job for the users. decisions regarding usage and the how-tos of implementation are taken by the product leads. in such a scenario, i don't see myself taking product decisions, but i try to suggest my ideas (mostly accepted) when we frame the requirements and solutions. how do i grow from just largely only designing what my leads tell me, to actually making an impact with the products we have? background- i'm an electronics engineer, landed a design internship at a startup a little before graduation and they offered a full time role after. accepted it over my placement and it's been over 6 months in this role. thanks & cheers :)

I have 2+ years of experience. B.Des degree from a reputable university. Unfortunately, stuck in a toxic startup which was once a great place to work at, thanks to my previous manager who is a kind soul. Previously worked in a design-centric unicorn. You’re guaranteed to get a designer with great attention to detail, understanding of product sense, an eye for quality visuals, and balances business goals and user needs. Let my YoE not fool you :) Please let me know if any of you are looking for product designers!

Hey guys, I'm working as a UX designer in an Design agency. So over there i used to work from research till wireframes for each projects, like i don't have hands on experience doing the UI part. Is it okay if i just learn how to design stuffs using existing design systems? And also could anyone suggest me some good companies which have good design culture in hyderabad or remote! Thanks in advance 😄

Can someone please mention the pros and cons of joining an early stage funded startup in the current scenario?

I joined this startup recently as a solo product designer (this is my first fte role) and i’m being payed 14lpa (12 base+2 bonus) now although the people here really like my work but I personally don’t feel like i’m learning anything new to become a better product designer. I always feel the lack of having a senior PD. How much time should i spend in this startup so that when I switch jobs i can get a decent hike as well.

I have 1.7 years experience. worked in 2 startups as solo product deisgners. legal tech and ed tech.Did everything from research, ui ,moodbboard,illustration, motion,... since I never had seniors just curious to know...

Please suggest some good startups with a decent culture to work as Product Designer. I have over a year of experience.