I’ve also worked at both types of places and agree on both paragraphs. Working at a place that has a compelling vision that everyone can articulate makes a hug

I’ve also worked at both types of places and agree on both paragraphs. Working at a place that has a compelling vision that everyone can articulate makes a huge difference. Even better when the vision actually lines up with how the company is currently operating and is a believable goal. Even better when a leadership team brings real customer stories and focuses on the actual human impact of the company, instead of just sales figures and MAU. We all know we’re here to make money, but it’s a lot more fun when you legitimately believe in what you do. And as a side note, if leadership isn’t providing this, go seek this information out. Investigate who the company sells to, and why. Look for information about the human outcomes it enables. You’ll either find reasons to believe in what you do, or motivation to find a place that gives you those reasons. I’ve worked with people who seem completely unaware of the bigger picture behind the company/product, and who seem content if not determined to stay unaware, while grumbling about the inanity of their jobs.