Thinking of making the jump from your corporate job to a startup? Here’s what you need to know

Do you feel like your life is passing by with little or no motivation? Does everyday at work feels the same? Do you think you have a dormant passion waiting to find a project where to invest it?

Some of us are not made to be confined to a cubicle doing the same daily tasks. And, if you feel like this, maybe it’s time for a change of environment. You may ask: What should I do now? Figuring out the next move is the hard part, but one of the possible alternatives is joining a startup.

Startups are usually vibrant, collaborative and great places to work. However, the transition isn’t necessarily easy. Not everyone is made for working in an open environment, but if the idea sparks interest here are some steps that can help you decide and make the move smoother:

Define what are your core values

Ask yourself what are you willing to do for a company and what would make you happy in a work environment. Also think about your vision of the world and look for a startup that has similar views.

Do your research

Education is vital to understand if a startup is good for you. There are pros and cons depending on your needs. You could like the flexible hours and creative freedom, but you will also have multiple responsibilities and it will be a less structured routine.

“To prepare for the industry transition, you need to reinvent yourself through education. Immerse yourself in the tech industry and learn as much as you can even before interviewing. “ — Five O’Clock Club

Define your skill set

Make a list of your skills and best characteristics. Look for your positives, the stuff you have learned from your experience. From there, you’ll have a better understanding of what you can add to a company. Also, look for what things you need to learn more about (ex. Coding, industry keywords, new business trends) and make a plan to take courses.

Network

Look for startup meetups, look for conventions, conferences, webinars and any event related to the startup community. You’ll have the opportunity to introduce yourself and present your career change plan. Plus, you can communicate your availability.

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