Sprout a Dream Job at a Startup
Whenever I watch interviews with people I consider to have “dream jobs” — whether it’s fashion designers, travel bloggers, or the founders of big companies — their advice on choosing a career is always the same: do what you love and are passionate about and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Even before I decided on what kind of career path I wanted to follow I knew there were a few rules I would always abide by.
- I would never be swayed by money. As much as it’s nice to make a good salary, it’s more important to be happy at the end of the day.
- I would do something that I loved. The most important thing to me is getting up every day and looking forward to the day ahead instead of dreading it.
- I would make a difference in whatever company I worked at. Instead of being a cog in a wheel I want to leave a lasting imprint.
I’m happy to say that although I’m only a couple years into my career I’m doing something I love, at a company I believe in. As Community Manager at Sprouter I get to pursue things I’m passionate about — writing, public relations, and new media, to name a few. I’m making a difference on a daily basis (it’s kind of hard not to when you’re only one of four employees!). And I believe in the idea behind the company: entrepreneurship can be a lonely ride, and connecting with other startups can make the journey a bit easier.
Working at a startup company was never really an option I considered. My parents both worked at big companies, and I don’t have any entrepreneurs in my family. So when I was given the opportunity to be the third employee at a web startup I hesitated. After all, startup life isn’t as stable as a bigger company. There’s no traditional 9-5 and no promise that you’ll have a job in a year. Taking the job was the best thing I ever did, and now I’m a huge advocate for working at a small company.
There are so many reasons I love startup life. For one, it gives you more responsibility than a traditional junior position. As Community Manager, I’m in charge of all communications and community development, which a lot to worry about, but a refreshing challenge. I also have a ton of creative license. Whenever I have ideas for projects or campaigns I know they’ll be supported and I can run with them on my own. Also the non-traditional nature of a startup — which I hesitated about at first — is now one of the things I love the most. We have spontaneous brainstorming meetings whenever we’re feeling creative, and we wear jeans to work every day. And the best part is that every day is different because new challenges and opportunities are always cropping up. Instead of being a cog in wheel you’re directly invested in the company’s future and that makes you care much more about whether the company succeeds.
So if you’re looking for a way to make a difference at a company consider finding a startup in an industry you’re passionate about. Or, like so many great entrepreneurs before you, consider starting your own company – I know that’s my next step.
Photo by rpmaxwell and onat. Licensed under CC.
[...] I have other friends that have done it too ex. Erin, Abby, Crystal, Zack. Erin just published this post on Make Work Meaningful about working at a startup and finding that dream job, I recommend checking [...]
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