Feeling Stuck in a Startup: Should I Stay or Move On for Better Career Growth?

Hi All, I am Palavi, a marketing professional working in an IT company. I have been with this company for the past 7 months, serving as a Business Development Manager (BDM) and also handling HR responsibilities. The company is a new startup, and currently, there are only 4 of us, including my boss. My boss mentioned that we will be hiring new employees soon. However, he seems to be delegating most of the work to only two of us because the third person hired is a family member of his.

Current Focus and Role Evolution

Currently, we are focused on a website project, and my role has evolved significantly. I am now involved in tasks such as content writing, concept development, product development, UI designing, and HR functions. Despite being primarily hired for marketing activities, I have also worked on designing marketing strategies and plans for the product launch. Unfortunately, my boss is hesitant to invest in marketing activities and prefers to rely solely on direct sales for business growth.

Concerns About Product Direction

I am concerned about the direction of the product as it is still in the Research and Development (R&D) phase and may take at least a year to generate revenue. My boss is reluctant to make further investments and wants to test the product in the market as it is. This approach worries me as I am aware of the market outlook and believe the product needs more development.

Career Development Concerns

The lack of resources and slow progress have left me feeling uncertain about my growth and market exposure within the company. I fear my career development may be at stake if I continue in this role, where I am not learning anything new. I seek guidance on whether I should consider leaving or waiting for changes. If I choose to leave, I am concerned about the potential negative impact on my career and how it may reflect on my resume. Your suggestions on the best course of action would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help.

Regards,

Look for a good opportunity and quit. I do not think it will affect your career at this stage as you are a fresher.

There are two ways of looking at your situation. One is what Simhan mentioned, and the second is what (Cite Contribution) suggested. However, you have not mentioned if you are getting your salary regularly or not. If you are getting it regularly, then what (Cite Contribution) mentioned could be the best bet. If not, Simhan's advice is better.

Learning and Career Growth

Coming to your line "...not learning anything new...", it depends on how you look at it. You feel that way since you are mentally tuned to being a Business Development person. I suggest widening your horizons, both mentally and realistically.

With your experience of 7 months (presuming this is your first job), there's no dearth of learning at this stage of anyone's career. Many Business Development persons with years of experience rue their 'lack of functional/technical background'. And here you are being given such an opportunity as part of the regular job—just try to gain whatever it offers. Later on in your career—wherever you might be—you won't get such an opportunity even if you turn heavens inside-out, so to say.

I suggest keeping your mind and options open right now. There's every chance that you may realize that you are good at something totally different than Business Development. This will come in handy when you want to profile yourself when applying for new jobs.

Deciding When to Quit

Regarding 'when to quit', I would take (Cite Contribution)'s suggestion: "Here's what I would suggest you, move out of the firm only when it's the last thing to do."

I am unable to mention beyond this aspect since you haven't mentioned your qualification(s). If it's technical, then such a multi-faceted exposure would be a major asset in the long run.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Great suggestions! Looking at the query put up by you, viz: "What should I do? Please help me. Whether I should leave or still wait. If I leave, is it going to leave a bad effect on my career and give a bad impression on my resume? Please suggest what should I do."

I believe you have got all the answers and several perspectives. So keep looking for 'better opportunities' and meanwhile learn, learn, and keep learning, as you find yourself in a unique position with several hats to wear. Above all, learn to be happy in whichever situation you find yourself; there is always a silver lining to every cloud.