5 important things I learnt working for a startup (and watching Anchorman)

Two years ago I joined a startup. I was the first employee, actually. To be honest I had absolutely no clue what to expect and even less of a clue as to what I was doing. The truth is, joining a start-up kind of feels like joining a crazed gang. You aren’t really too sure what’s going to happen next and how you’re going to pull off the job you just pitched but gosh darnit, there is SO MUCH EXCITEMENT.

There is something really special about a start-up family, but just like all families, they have their ups and downs. I’ve learnt some important lessons over the last two years – a few things that I think people should know about before leaving their comfy jobs to live the startup life, and a few things that might encourage others to take the leap.

1. Give it time, everybody is learning

The one thing I’ve had to diligently teach myself is that your boss is learning too. Just as this startup adventure is new for you, it’s also new for them. You need to be prepared for a bumpy ride as the processes and structure take time to fall into place — usually on the second or third attempt — but it’s worth it when they do. Always remember that as the business grows, so do you, and your career path can often be accelerated if you’re willing to wait out the startup rollercoaster.

2. The startup world is perfect for those who want to carve their own niche

Just as there are risks, there are also advantages. Being in a large corporation often leads to your roles and responsibilities being boxed in and strictly defined. If you are confident enough to stand up and carve your own niche, the startup life can be really exciting. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many new people and try so many new things — if you’re a self-starter and you’re willing to make the most of those opportunities then the startup life can prove to be extremely rewarding. If you’re not then you might feel a bit out of your comfort zone (to be honest).

3. Loyalty is key

This point is directed more towards the bosses than the employees, but it’s a value I’d never really considered before. Having loyal staff who believe in you might just be the best resource your startup business ever sees. This takes time and personal effort but sowing this seed is what leads to a productive office. If you’re considering the risk of a startup life then make sure you’ll be working for someone who knows how to lead.

4. Be prepared for change

The small things affect your life much more than in a larger environment where they might go unnoticed. The addition of a new employee, the mistakes of a colleague, a change in the business structure. These things affect your day-to-day life and you have to learn to deal with them, quickly. There is no time for pity parties.

5. You need to believe in the end goal

If you don’t, you will hate your life. This is a fact. If you don’t believe in the bigger picture, you will have many conversations with yourself about how hard you work compared to your friends etc etc etc. If you do believe, then even the smallest achievements in your day will make you feel like this:

I have absolutely no regrets about joining the company two years ago. It’s completely changed my life and I still wake up every day excited to go to work. But startup life is not for everyone, and that’s ok. What I’m trying to get at is that startup life can be completely ridiculous, risky and often not what you expected but if you’re willing to work hard and go the extra mile to get noticed, you might just make it to the big screen like The Channel 4 news team.