You’re a candidate torn between job offers from two different companies: a small business and a large one. The small business is only a few buildings down the block, making it simple for you to get to work on foot. The large company is five miles away, requiring a commute to pick up equipment. However, it allows you to work from home.
Which company should you work for? Read about the pros and cons of each below.
Small business advantages and disadvantages
There are over 61 million small business employees in the United States, and nearly half of them (46.4 percent) encompass the nation’s workforce.
Because small businesses typically consist of a handful of workers, it makes it easier for you to form close friendships. Also, an intimate environment enables you to share ideas with your co-workers and supervisors, which is nearly impossible to do with a CEO you’ll likely never meet.
Nevertheless, small businesses require you to juggle lots of responsibilities since it’s just you and a few other workers. Plus, they tend to offer little to no perks like benefits packages due to having fewer resources.
Large company advantages and disadvantages
The U.S. is home to 21,100+ large businesses, making up a small fraction of businesses in the country.
What’s great about large businesses is that they provide more advancement opportunities, which translates to salary increases. In addition, there are more employees, so you can focus on one specific job instead of wearing many hats.
That being said, large businesses have hierarchal structures, making it difficult to feel like an equal. Furthermore, they may enforce stricter dress codes since large companies exude a professional atmosphere.
So, which is best: a small business or a large company? It depends on your values and preferences. It helps, however, to have a good employment contract. It’s also wisest to seek experienced legal guidance as you review a contract’s terms and negotiate for what’s fair.