From Big Tech to Startups: What I Wish I Knew Before Making the Leap

I get asked a lot about my experience moving from big tech to a startup. If you're considering making the switch, here’s the reality from someone who’s been there:

✅ It’s fun. Startups move fast, and you get to wear multiple hats. You’re not just executing—you’re shaping the product, the culture, and sometimes even the business strategy.

✅ You’ll own more. In big tech, you’re often a specialist. In a startup, you might be defining entire processes from scratch. It’s a crash course in leadership and adaptability.

✅ Your network will grow in unexpected ways. Startups connect you with a different crowd—founders, VCs, and early-stage operators. If you want to break out of the big-tech bubble, it’s an eye-opener.

❌ But let’s talk about pay. No matter what moonshot recruiters pitch you—or how much “market-disrupting” equity they throw in—it’s unlikely to match big tech compensation. The startup dream is real, but so is financial reality.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. But would I go in with clearer expectations? 100%. If you’re considering the move, ask yourself: Are you in it for the journey or the exit? Because the latter is never guaranteed.

Curious to hear—has anyone else made the switch? What was your experience like?