Lessons from Corporate World that Led to My Quit: Trust, Work Environment, and Swimming against the Current

As someone who has worked both in small scale industries and large corporate environments, I have learned valuable lessons that significantly impacted my career decisions. This article reflects on my experiences and the key takeaways that led me to leave my corporate jobs and seek opportunities in startups.

Small Scale Industry: Misleading Experiences

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, many career opportunities disappeared, and I found myself in a cable manufacturing company due to the lack of other options. Disillusioned with the promises of 'good experience' leading to better opportunities, I realized that small scale industries often overpromise and underdeliver. Grave expectations of job security and upward mobility were constantly undermined by the actual demands and conditions I faced.

Corporate World: The Pressure of a Trainee Role

Graduating from a cabled manufacturing company, I joined a prominent Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) corporate under the belief that a trainee role would quickly translate into opportunities at Tier 1 or Tier 2 companies. However, the intense pressure to work non-stop and the false promises of guaranteed job offers after a year of hard work stood in stark contrast with the reality of a competitive job market. This environment stymied my professional growth, making me frustrated and disillusioned with the idea of corporate career advancement.

The Start-up Escape: A Team-focused Culture

Following my tenure in these less-than-ideal corporate environments, I found myself working at a startup. In this setting, the emphasis was on collaboration and collective effort, rather than individual contribution and exploitation. Here, the team's success is shared, and everyone is expected to support each other, rather than being pitted against one another. This environment aligns with my personal values and professional goals, making it the ideal fit for me.

Lack of Trust: A Personal Fiasco

Another significant lesson came from a previous role as a Senior Software Engineer where a client demanded changes to a live application late into the night. Instead of accepting the client's request, I denied, citing the need to monitor the application after the changes. When I returned, the client had maliciously blamed me for a system outage. My boss, without any explanation, confronted the team and me in front of everyone, showing a blatant lack of trust in his own staff.

The incident highlighted the importance of trust and work ethics within a team, as well as the consequences of ignoring them. The trusting relationship between employees and management is crucial to a healthy work environment, and the absence of such trust can lead to seriousmisunderstandings and even harm future career opportunities.

Conclusion: External Realities and Flexibility

In conclusion, my experiences in both small scale industries and large corporates taught me that external realities and a flexible work environment are paramount. Corporations that value their employees and provide a supportive work environment are much more conducive to long-term success. In the end, it is better to work in a company that values you as an individual and prioritizes collaboration and growth over exploitation and blame.

When seeking career opportunities, always consider the work environment, corporate values, and the trust placed in employees, as these factors can significantly impact your professional journey.