I got an offer from a startup - good job that fits my interest perfectly with good pay - but I'm still hesitant to accept it because it's a startup. As bad as AT&T is with layoffs, at least I know it will still be standing ten years from now, which I can't say for this place.
Am I wrong to hesitate?
Working at AT&T is a big risk so what’s the difference? Do what is right for you and your family. Best of luck.
You ask that question on a place like this? Where do you to ask questions about finance, or marital problems?
The questions to ask:
Do you get equity in the company? Are you close enough to the original funding to get a payout if the company gets bought/sold?
How close is the salary to your current one?
What are the healthcare costs?
Probably not a great 401k match, but you never know
Will you be doing things that will grow your career?
I've worked for 3 startups over my career, and I can say that they all were worthwhile jobs.
do what makes you happy. I stayed way too long and I had a chance to go with a really great tech company that is like four times the price the att stock and is never going away about 9 years ago and man I wish I left.
I wish I left then. att doesn't know what it wants to be so you aren't even sure if it will be around in 10 years and if it is you don't know how miserable a place it will be. My skills just deteriorated at T. I got good at doing the TPS reports. But I kept my red stapler!
I would say if it is work you love and will be enthused about go for it and make the startup into something great. T has way to many employees and they will just continue the environment they are in except on steroids.
" As bad as AT&T is with layoffs, at least I know it will still be standing ten years from now..."
That could be true. However, you , I , or many of us may not be in that picture.
Your value here, and time with this company is on borrowed time. Longer or shorter.
Depending on your age and a whim of your manager / director.
It comes down to what you really want. So called stability ? or do something for yourself. You will never have the chance to grow as much as you may in a startup.
I for one, if I would not hesitate a moment. The direction T is moving, is not good and it doesn't look it will change any time soon.
Do the same research as if you were investing a large amount of money in this business. Note that the Small Business Administration states, "500,000 new businesses are started each year."
Do a web search using something like "what to know about investing in a startup business." If you can't find that information, skip it. If you can, get their business plan and find out how long they've been earning a profit. Get your acceptance offer in writing specifying pay, vaca, health, an more.
I went with 2 start ups in my 30's. It is awesome to be part of a bigger picture than you will ever see at T. I was promoted several times as the company's grew. One went public one went bust. If you can risk it, the career growth reward is worth it...I came to T in my 40's to build a pension. So if you will never be pension elegible here, what have you got to lose.
I wouldn’t go to a startup company. You can write your ticket coming from AT&T. Market yourself to growing established companies. Stay strong.
First, I get it. Stability is all most anyone wants. The notion that T will stand is not a valid reason. T is a sinking ship. Do your research on startup and its competitors. Is it competitive or do they have a niche? Who is leading the ship? Are they trustworthy - a real leader or are they "Randall" like? Ask to see their business plan. Have a plan B if startup doesn't pan out. Either way be bold and be that annoying. It's your life.
at least I know it will still be standing ten years from now
you must not have been @ATT very long? its does not matter who you are, if your number is up, it is up. you're done (unless you are able to find another internal opportunity). having said that, startups are a dime a dozen. and very few make it. if you got another offer, it sounds like you have some skills. if that is the case, then hang around ATT. make them pay you to leave. take the cash and go find another job
Yes, AT how long have you been at AT&T, your age, etc. These are key factors in making a decision.
I don’t have the right answer for you, or your direct circumstance in this stage of your life....perhaps this person does:
“Don’t wait, the time will never be just right.” Mark Twain
I don't think it is necessarily a sure thing your position would be safe for ten years. Here is the thing. In a small / startup company, you have risks, yes, and it can be hard work, yes, but you will also get an enormous opportunity to learn and grow your capabilities as well. Even a year or two at a new company could really be good. I started in a start-up company when cellular was new. The owners sold us after 3 yrs. But those 3 yrs were exceptionally amazing. Of course, caveat, it depends on what this new start up is, it is always a gamble, a risk, but, so is AT&T. I am in the surplus group and leaving soon and I was potentially pitched a possibility for a start up I would consider. The AT&T command and control management structure can be pretty stifling and you can get stuck in a silo, so weigh your options carefully, ask a lot of questions of the new place, and make a decision. Good luck.