Big Tech vs. startups: I've worked at both — and they're very different. Here's how to decide which is right for you.

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 07:09

Side view of a woman computer programmer working at her desk at a startup company. — Software engineer Sheldon Chi (not pictured) is a tech worker who helps other people get jobs in tech with his training company.
Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

Sheldon Chi has worked for Amazon, Google, and two tech start ups.
He says there are important things to consider before accepting a job at any tech company.
For instance, employees don't always make more money at Big Tech companies.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sheldon Chi, a 36-year-old software engineer from Canada about how to get a job at a tech company. It's been edited for length and clarity.