Ask HN: Given these circumstances, would you switch to a small startup?

3 points by loeschg 13 years ago | 4 comments

I currently work for a large consulting firm as a developer and have been for about a year now (a year out of school). I'm back on the job hunt (voluntarily), and I've been in contact with a small startup. They have a handful of employees, only 3 or 4 that are full-time. They got Series A funding (between $2-10 million) earlier this year, and the service they're offering doesn't require any ridiculous sums of money (no complex manufacturing, etc). There's no guarantee or anything that I'd be the right candidate, but I guess I'm just looking for general advice/insight should a decision to join the team arrive.

I know there are a lot of details I'm leaving out, but I'm hoping there's something to glean from what I've shared. Should I make the switch? What sort of questions should I be asking the team when I meet them? What sort of offer should I expect (again granted I'm the right fit)? What would be some positive signs that things are going well? How about negative signs?

eliajf 13 years ago |

It's a huge decision and it is a completely different world than the consulting one you are used to. The uncertainty is hard but having input (not just being a cog) is unbelievably liberating. No one can answer this question for you. Make your decision. But I do recommend that whatever decision you make, don't look back later. Fully commit yourself to it.

As for questions, will the work be interesting and rewarding? Are the people honest and feel like those you can work with? Is there a sign that the company is succeeding (funding is not market success) like traction and paying customers? There are a few anyway.

Good luck!

loeschg 13 years ago | |

Thanks! By all means I understand this is my decision. Just wondered if anyone could see some other things that I don't see.

Yeah, as a developer for a consulting company, you use your one skill and the company is pretty much satisfied with that. Try to encourage the use of another technology, and you're met with "ask Joe about it" who will tell you, "Ask Jim" and so on. I have a lot of surface knowledge (in addition to an area or two of reasonable depth) that I'd love to be able to leverage in a work place.

Those are good starting point questions. The overall concept itself is not something I'm overly passionate about, I'll admit. The work - technologies used, day to day tasks, environment - sounds like what I'd like though. Gotcha. Yeah, I figured funding was a good start but wasn't sure that meant they'd "made it."

pmtarantino 13 years ago |

If you are asking this is because you definitely want this new job and need the acceptance for a community. You are looking for support more than anything else.

And if that is what you want to, and there are not risks, you should go for it.

loeschg 13 years ago | |

Can't say I'm looking for a ton of acceptance before making the switch. Just looking to get some general advice. Figured this community would be able to provide some interesting insight.