BEYOND THE CROSSROADS: EXPLORING CAREER CHOICES

When considering job options, several parameters come into play:

1)  Earning potential and livelihood.

2)  Work profile and culture.

3)  Passion and interest in the work.

4)  Personal and professional growth opportunities.

5)  Sense of purpose and alignment with values.

Taking these factors into account, here’s a comparative analysis of family businesses, MNC jobs, and startups from the perspective of an individual who has experienced working in all three realms.

Family Businesses - Yes of course, being part of a family business is also a job! When you work 12 hrs a day 7 days a week and get paid 500 rs a month as pocket money.

Challenges start from having multiple bosses - father, grand-father, uncle, elder brother and sometimes you report to senior employees as well. Degrees, certifications and courses are sidelined and you start from level zero. 'Work culture' is a very important term in any corporation, in family business limits to listening to multiple bosses, extended hours of working, always keeping an eye on personal life. Another challenge which only those who are part of family business have is defined behavior and way of living, to maintain relations and outlook of multiple stakeholders towards you. Unless an individual is passionate and interested in the product/service, it can lead to a lifelong pressure and unwanted responsibility.

Amidst the challenges, a family business facilitates real wealth generation. The compounding effect is evident not only in profits and earnings but also in contacts and connections. Over the years of prestige associated with it, Inherent expertise, exposure, and ongoing knowledge transfer lead to unique problem-solving abilities. Years of experience result in optimized business processes, a deep understanding of the business, and, most importantly, the provision of efficient, effective, and sustainable methods to operate the business for an individual.

Additionally, it offers ample opportunities to modify, enhance, and grow the business by assuming leadership roles. All of these benefits not only oneself but family and upcoming generations as well. Lifestyle upgradation directly depends on the success achieved in the business. It fosters a sense of social responsibility, as these kinds of businesses create jobs, impacting the lives of employees and their families.

MNC Jobs - As exciting as landing a job in a multinational finance company sounds, is it truly rewarding? This question is something employees ponder every month throughout their careers!

Long working hours, heavy pressure, and working on holidays, coupled with intense competition in top MNCs, are no longer hidden. Office politics and duplicity in behavior, with colleagues putting others down to advance, are extremely common. However, things which keep the boat afloat in this sea are engaging work and learning opportunities, recognition, and high-class personal and professional exposure. If the work profile aligns with an employee's interests, it leads to immense satisfaction on the work side. Moreover, better salaries than the market rate and countless facilities keep individuals going.

Given the flashy work-lifestyle, it's accurate to describe it as a glamorous, never-ending whirlwind that engulfs employees, pulling them deeper into a lifelong competition loop that distances them from their true selves and diminishes their willingness to take risks. Even in high positions, social impact often takes a back seat to the relentless pursuit of success in the rat race.

Startups - Working in a startup that addresses a significant real-life problem is an invaluable learning experience, not just professionally, but in life as well. The greater the challenge, the more fulfilling the journey becomes. Every aspect involves risks, and decisions hinge on numerous factors. The work culture is undefined; where the founder is both a "guru" and a "chela" as it requires learning and growing from own experiences.

Initially, financial stability may be elusive, but it is gradually built through sound decisions, strategic bets, and relentless hard work. It's a 24/7 commitment. With a like minded team this path can become a little easier, although The formation of such a team rests solely on the founders shoulders. As the founder's efforts begin yielding tangible results and value creation becomes evident, the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment is unparalleled. However, growing a startup isn't for those seeking "work-life balance".

It demands a relentless pursuit of trial and error, navigating challenges with a blend of determination, empathy, patience, and risk-taking abilities. Two contrasting perspectives define the ethos of work culture; 1) The world is an open field from all sides, wherever you want, however you want, whenever you want, make your own way, Embrace the boundless opportunities and run freely. 2) Why run in the open when the established routes and directions are already given. The former embodies the essence of startups, while the latter reflects traditional employment. Neither approach is inherently right or wrong; rather, they represent individual choices.

There's perhaps no greater sense of liberation and fulfillment than witnessing the fruits of one's labor manifest in the form of improved financial standing and lifestyle upgrades, all while effecting positive social change through entrepreneurial endeavors and Impactful startups is a way for it.

-Divy Dhanotiya