A start-up is a young business that is just beginning to develop. Start-ups are usually small and initially financed and operated by a handful of founders or one individual.

Below are factors to consider when thinking about working for a start-up:

You wear many hats

Your job description defines what you’re working on, but there will be times where you have to do duties that you never signed up for. You must be able to agree with taking on tasks that you did not expect. It is all about being a team player, and helping in whichever way is needed.

Long hours

A start-up is the polar opposite of a traditional 9–5. While many times the start-up workplace is flexible and fun, there is an expectation that you get the job done and be available regularly to assist the team. It could mean late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays.

Fast-paced environment

Start-ups are always moving and changing. You will have more fast days than slow days. It is a place where creativity lives, and you are responsible for executing the ideas you come up with.

High energy, team-oriented, and impactful

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Everyone is excited to be part of a start-up because they can see the impact they are making through the work they produce and are on a mission together to build up an organization together. In larger organizations, it’s more challenging to see the impact you have on the organization, and it is harder making change happen due to the approval process that is involved.

Create rules

You will have the opportunity to establish policies, templates, and standards for the company. Test them and change them until it is ideally suited to your ideal working environment.

Potentially has less stability than larger organizations

Larger organizations provide more stability. Start-ups are somewhat risky because you never know what could happen to the company. The company may not be making enough money, or the company could get bought out. There’s so much that can happen so quickly. If you thrive under pressure, then it won’t be as scary. On the other hand, if you are not much of a risk-taker or if you have many responsibilities, you should take some precautions (build an emergency fund).

Salary

Salary hikes depend on revenue generation. If a company does not generate enough money, it will not be able to sustain itself.

Be part of a pioneer team

Since you are among the first employees of this company, you are meant to be the future executives and directors if the company stays strong with progressive and exponential growth.

A start-up environment is such a great way to make an impact on an organization. If you are driven by causing change and seeing the impact you can make, I’d recommend trying a start-up.