Big company, little company

On my first day in my last job, I was fortunate enough to be working with a couple of people I already knew very well. So when I had trouble logging on to the network, one of the IT guys cheerfully told me, “We’ve set your password to your favourite Bible reference”. Not only did this instantly fix the problem, but it reassured me that I was in a friendly environment.

On my first day in my current job, once again I was unable to log on. I was advised to call IT, at which point I was informed I had been placed in a queue. The first available adviser was with me shortly, and although the problem was eventually fixed, it all felt rather impersonal.

As time passes, I notice more big company / small company differences, with a mixture of emotions. I like being the one person responsible for my area of work in my department. I worry about what will happen when I’m away or off sick. I struggle to know who to ask for help when I can’t embed my customised maps properly.

A big company affords the opportunity to move up more easily without moving out. Contracts, payroll and pensions are handled every day. When someone asks where you work, they can genuinely nod approvingly when you mention the name. 

A little company gives employees the chance to mix a bit more, to share ideas and issues, and get to know what is going on. The finance guy probably has a desk seconds away from the IT guy, and they are both experts on pretty much everything.

But what I am coming to realise is that it is not so much about where we work as how we work. Every company has its pros and cons, and every workplace provides opportunities to learn and to meet new people. We can be grateful for the blessings and persevere in the struggles, doing our best to shine like stars wherever we are.