No big company I have worked at was stable. (otherwise, I'd still be working at my first employer). Stability is something I've strongly valued, but I've also

No big company I have worked at was stable. (otherwise, I'd still be working at my first employer). Stability is something I've strongly valued, but I've also found, it's basically non-existent in this career field. Companies are always buying each other, getting bought, having bad quarters, etc. Unless you're one of those 100x developer rock stars, (or sales/marketing), you're going to be vulnerable to being "rightsized" out. I can also say that pay has not been the best at the larger companies, either. Though benefits packages tend to be more generous. But at the end of the day, if those are supposed to be the compelling reasons to try to work, and stay at a larger company, then no thanks, because it's a greatly undeserved reputation. As for small companies; yes, there's way more opportunity to learn, and way more freedom and latitude, and I'd even say career mobility is better. On the other hand, some small companies are run like total shit. But at the end of the day the risk (instability) is worth it.