Large Companies: -- In a labs or research group you get to follow your own interests. I had a lot of fun in my year at HP Labs. -- Software product developme

Large Companies: -- In a labs or research group you get to follow your own interests. I had a lot of fun in my year at HP Labs. -- Software product development often has smart people and you can have flexibility in what you do. The key is whether you are working with a dozen or two of people or a cast of thousands where you are a pigeon in a hole. The larger the group, the more likely you are a plugin module, stuck in a role, susceptible to offshoring. -- IT is probably the pits and should be avoided. If you are looking at a raw startup, you really need to understand the environment. Sure, you get to do lots of things and have a lot of flexibility, but there is a good chance that you will have to work 60 hour weeks. If you aren't prepared for high energy and high commitment, it can take a toll on you and your family. If you are, it can be a hell of a ride. Also take into account of the funding/financial side of the startup or you may find no food on the table. One thing is do NOT go in with the expectation of getting rich, particularly if you are not a founder. Most of the time you won't. Dont take this as a negative, I think startups are more fun than nearly anything else. Another class to consider is a small fast growing company of 20 to 200 people. It's a lot like a startup, but you can have a life too.