Do it. Of course, I am assuming that since you are young, you have comparatively (for comparison, look at a generation older, not your peers) lesser liabilities

Do it. Of course, I am assuming that since you are young, you have comparatively (for comparison, look at a generation older, not your peers) lesser liabilities, (eg: little or no financial liabilities, perhaps little or no family commitments in terms of time and money). So your ability to take risks is much greater. It's not like you can't join a startup if what I assumed is not true, it just is harder. The advantage of joining a startup early in your career is you will learn more than just technology. You'll learn to appreciate the entire process of building something that someone is willing to pay money for (...and also to support it). As for your CV, working at the startup is seen as a huge positive at most places -- especially 'Big companies' that were once a startup. Note however, though I said most and not all.