In August 2021 the U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that the unemployment rate dropped to 5.2%. There was significant growth in professional and business services, transportation, warehousing, private education, manufacturing, and other services. However, in the retail sector employment declined over the month. Throughout 2021, job growth has averaged around 586,000. In the state of New Jersey, employment increased in August by 20,300 and is split between the private and public sectors of the state’s economy. Currently, there are a plethora of rising startup companies in various industries popping up all over the country. Some of those companies are hiring however, working for startup companies can have its pros and cons.

      Working at a startup company can be an exciting experience. Depending on what your career goals are, what kind of work environment and schedule you want could determine whether you accept the job. Startups can provide an employee with a unique opportunity to be innovative while working in a casual work environment. When working for established companies it can be stifling because it usually takes time to climb the ladder and sometimes ideas are often overlooked. Startups also provide an opportunity to have active input into the daily operation and long-term business plan. There may also be less overhead meaning you would only have to report to one or two people instead of a board. Depending on the industry the startup is developed in there may also be opportunities to travel or even relocation once the business is established.

    Furthermore, working for startups can also have some cons. Some startups may require a lot of time devoted to the company which means other areas in your life may be affected. Mental health may deteriorate throughout the growth of a startup which could lead to extra stress. Since the company is just starting the pay may not be the greatest and only GOD knows how long it will take for the money to roll in. There may also be a higher chance of being furloughed or unemployed. For some employees, a work environment that is too casual or lacks structure may discourage employees from applying or staying at the job.

     Because of these pros and cons, I would only work at a startup if certain criteria were met. Before I make decisions, I like to talk to my father which may require me to fast and pray. While I’m fasting and praying, I’m researching the company which could be difficult since the company is new. I would be looking at things like who investors are, what the company goals and values are, and how the company would impact communities. I would look at what the trends are in the industry the startup is trying to penetrate. What kind of financial opportunity would the company provide down the road. Also, I would be curious to know would the company stay private or become public. Private companies tend to stay in the hands of the initial founders, management, or group of private investors.

   All in all, if my father approved of the company and job, I would take the job. If the company did not have morals or values that are like mine, I would not take the job. As I stated before I do not make decisions without consulting my father. In the King James Bible, Jeremiah 29:11 states; For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  For those who choose not to seek GOD, I would encourage you to research and ask a lot of questions so you can make an informed decision.

For your consideration:

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.html

https://www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2021/20210917_unemploymentaugust.shtml

https://www.builtinnyc.com/2019/06/09/tech-companies-in-nj-startups

https://www.forbes.com/sites/elenabajic/2019/09/05/should-you-work-at-a-startup-heres-what-you-need-to-consider-first/?sh=31a8b1ad7b5a https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/difference-between-publicly-and-privately-held-companies/ https://www.njeda.com/njeda-celebrates-the-success-of-nj-accelerate-supported-morgan-stanley-multicultural-innovation-lab/