Big software house or small startup? A checklist for your first job

Answer these:

1. Do you need steady, on-time salary right now? → software house.
2. Is the household depending on you? → software house (stability first).
3. Can you afford to learn + take risk for 1–2 years? → startup is an option.
4. Do you want structure + mentorship, or broad ownership fast? → house vs startup.
5. Which has people who’ll actually teach you? (ask in the interview).
6. Which name helps your next move? (both can lead to remote later). Reality check: ~1 in 5 businesses fail in year one (global). Choose on your situation, not the name.