I've had both positive and negative experiences at both! I think the company culture itself plays a bigger role than size. I've worked at a large corporate restaurant that was poorly managed, but currently work at a Park with a super large staff and wonderful management! I've worked at very small restaurants where the staff had a lot of say about day to day operations, which was nice. However at the same place the Owner truly had the final say, or could do something on a whim and could throw off our rhythm. It can be hard to predict what a company will be like before you have the job!

Large companies offer more opportunity

I have worked in three global companies and one national company, three of which were Fortune 500 companies. One of the global companies was quite small, believe it or not. That was my favorite company. It definitely had the "family" feel. Later, working in a large, well-known, national company, I worked in a group of about 110 people and within that large company, my group was full of very caring, family oriented people. That was also very enjoyable. In working for a very large global company in recent years, I found the entire company very service oriented and wonderful to work with. For the last six years, I have worked largely in non-profits. I am sorry to say that many times the management in the smaller organizations think so highly of themselves that they make the experience quite negative. People like that would never find a place in a Fortune 500 company. Large companies have more opportunity and they keep abreast of the newest technologies. The non-profits (understandably) are not able to purchase the latest software and upgrades. The worst thing about working in a small organization is the culture, management not being forward thinking and progressive, having all sorts of ridiculous rules. For example, putting a lot of value on simple little things rather than the things that matter. While I have had success and have enjoyed both Fortune 500 and small organizations, I would have to say that the larger companies win out. Sorry.

It's easier to go from big companies to small companies than vice versa.

Rule of Thumb! Power is only given to the humble. Most leaders have an attribute that doesn't attract chaos, quarrels, division and authority shots. I'm not there yet, are you?

Rick - Not always the case - there are many new and start-up companies (past 2nd round funding, I suggest, not seed companies) where getting in early allows you go straight through with m ore responsibility quicker. It is an "all handsa on deck" entrepreneural environment, you are more likely noticed and can ask for more responsibility.

I have worked for both and personally prefer smaller businesses. I feel they are more intimate and personal and offer more flexibility for work life balance.

I like them both, to me it doesn’t matter big or small. What you put into It is what matters. I worked for both Corporate America and Small Businesses. I always enjoyed both of them for the experience.

None of those jobs that pathetic criminal pig has listed would ever pay anywhere close to $30 an hour folks!

Working for small company has found me shoulder to shoulder with the owner. He watched and thought I should be having a easier time getting the job done. We shared our ideas and put them to practice. It was fun being part of the process.Ford