For some, the security and confines of corporate life can be great. A monthly paycheck, a steadily increasing salary, and minimal stress through distributed responsibility all adds up to what we feel is comfort. What is ignored by most of us is how this monotonous routine-based lifestyle is dangerous. It eats at your soul, and could eventually destroy you. That may sound melodramatic, but I am already feeling it after just two years. I can't imagine how bruised our parents are from enduring this for so long.
I'm currently stuck
I have been working at a company for two years now since leaving varsity. We had monthly increase lately and my promised 'big increase' which would match me up to market salaries for the managerial/analyst position I fulfill didn't materialise. I'd like to explain what I have learnt from this so that you don't find yourself in the same situation. At very least I hope I will inspire you to get out while you have the chance.
Your job should be diverse
I entered my company in an experimental position. While it seemed exciting, and initially it was, it is something that now works against me. My company has no way to measure my efforts accurately against what would normally guide them: a rigid job description. My advice in corporate would be to get a solid job description so you understand your role and responsibilities. And if your position changes, ensure that your job title and salary are adjusted accordingly.
But there is a huge problem with these descriptions, and that is how they will limit you. In a startup or your own business, you are forced to learn about every aspect - from sales, marketing, hacking, hustling and more - you learn about how to run a business, from end to end. Working at corporate deteriorates your chances at ever being able to break away, because you become a specialist at your job. And with the way the world is changing, who knows how much longer your job will exist?
Do you fit the culture?
This is the most important thing that anyone interviewing you will look for. But irrespective of what they think, you need to be happy first and foremost. I for one should have joined a startup long ago. I wish to avoid old-style business practices where reaction times are slow and decisions made are risk averse. Big companies like this are being eaten up every day by smaller, faster, and younger companies. I want a culture of "Fuck it, just ship it", not "let's painfully iterate on this feature until we have over-thought, over-analysed and over-developed it". I am outspoken and not afraid to voice concern or discontent with the way things are done, and that is something that hurts the managers of a company who believe that they always know best, merely because they are experienced. I would encourage that you have a voice. Learn from them, but be the one who questions, the person who speaks up. This world doesn't have any more space for mindless drones.
Managers can break you
The main reason any employee leaves a company is due to their manager. It does not matter how good a company is, how great the culture is, or the free extras you get - managers are the makers and breakers. If you ever become a manager, understand the responsibility that is placed on you. Be someone who people genuinely look up to by being sincere and real. Admit when you are wrong and should have listened. Remember that you are in a position to dictate what other people do with their time, and that time is valuable to both them and the company - so plan what they do with care.
And if you are like me and you are still somewhere in between the doing and the managing, remember you can still help change the way things are done. I transformed the processes in my company and we are all benefiting from it today. And don't give up - at first the ideas I suggested were shot down in laughter. I am criticised for not offering solutions to the problems I bring up, but it becomes difficult when most other suggestions are disregarded or changed. Do your best to stay strong in your opinion. Read these 10 Things that Really Amazing Bosses Do.
Team dynamics
Working on a team is wonderful, and one of the perks of a many working environments. It's the same reason why team sport should be encouraged in youths - learning to interact with others to achieve a common goal forces you to deal with your differences and allows you to learn more about yourself. There is however a negative to this. Seeing the same people each day, especially extremely like minded ones, does nothing for your creativity. Even if the team turnover is rather high at your company (this should be a warning sign to you), you are still getting more like-minded employees to join you. And when there is this high turnover, a growing negative attitude to the work and constant sarcasm aimed at the poor decisions made, you better consider getting your damn CV out into the market.
If people are constantly absent, or have minimal interest in attending company functions, you may be in the wrong job. It's ironic that this negativity usually brings a team closer together, but further from the management and the work they require be done. Remember these points if you ever have your own company - always encourage engagement.
Maybe you should work from home
You'll tend to get more done at home, because you will want to do it. And there will be less people to distract you, less time spent organising and planning what each person is doing, and more just tackling the tasks. Corporate tends to measure success, not based on outcome, but on how things are done. Formalities and standards tend to get in the way of finding an inventive solution, and once again, they limit your creativity. So take more risks and get stuff out faster. Accept that you will sometimes fail, move past those times and learn, then see how much quicker you find a better path.
You're not replaceable
When it comes down to it, if you haven't been at a company for more than 3 years, you're probably replaceable. This is just the way the corporate machine works. They neglect to allow you the opportunities to prove your worth for fear you might fail. But remember that failing is the only way we truly learn.
Management treating employees like fish in the sea will tend to follow through in business practices and execution. Their concern will most commonly be around making the heads and owners of businesses happy in order they sign off on deals. But where it really matters, the actual users of the product or service, there is a lack of effort and these people are neglected. And without users, companies will most often fail to turn over revenue. Remember to focus on the user's experience.
You want MORE money?
Money is the stickiest problem in any corporate culture. To discuss it means immediate glares from any older person. We don't live in these ancient ways anymore. People should be paid according to their worth at a company, so why should it matter. If anything it will encourage people to do their work better. My salary after two years was the same as that of a graduate developer who just entered the company. The same developer whose work is planned by me, and who I have to sign off on or verify his work.
Know who you are and what you contribute to a company. Ensure you write it all down and make it known. Yes, people will steal your ideas, that's the way it is. But by insisting on regular reviews, you will know if anyone has a problem with your work. And you can change to meet their mold.
Don't wait until it destroys you
Working in a corporate can psychologically mess you up. It can drain you, numb you, destroy your confidence and suck the creative juices from you. Don't let the comfort of corporate structures stop you from being who you should be, and doing the things you love. Think for yourself, create things you are passionate about after hours, and maybe one day, they will generate you money. Or even better, a stream of happiness.
I can't wait to resign.