Why This Entrepreneur Found Corporate Culture Confounding: A Personal Reflection

As I reflect on my professional journey, I can’t help but question: what is it that attracts so many individuals to large organizations and corporate roles? After a challenging experience in this realm, I find myself searching for answers.

For the first eight years of my career, I thrived in a small company environment, where the structure was simple and clear—typically comprising no more than three layers (CEO, Manager, Team Members). This flat organizational model fostered a collaborative atmosphere. I had the opportunity to grow alongside my colleagues, with a manager who was significantly involved in our day-to-day work while still providing the autonomy we needed to flourish.

However, venturing into a Fortune 500 company turned out to be one of the most disheartening experiences of my professional life. Through various online discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, I have learned that my challenges seem to be echoed by many others. I encountered entrenched issues such as information silos, competitive sabotage among teams, and a pervasive culture of toxicity. This environment starkly contrasted with my values, prompting me to resign and explore the possibility of starting my own business.

Throughout nearly a decade of work, I held a steadfast belief in the importance of diligence and teamwork. I viewed my role as contributing to the success of my organization, supporting my colleagues, and fostering a positive workplace atmosphere. Unfortunately, my experience in the corporate sector was far from that ideal. Instead of collaboration, I witnessed a culture that prioritized undermining peers and spreading negativity. It was disheartening to realize that precious time was spent on detrimental behaviors rather than on initiatives designed to enhance productivity or enrich employee experiences.

Given the widespread accounts of similar experiences, I now find myself pondering the allure of corporate life. Do people genuinely find satisfaction in this approach? Do they wake up each day eager to engage in a struggle for power and recognition, sacrificing collaboration for competition?

My time in the corporate world felt like stepping into an entirely different dimension—one where the principles I valued appeared to be obsolete. Could this mindset actually contribute to a company’s success? I certainly found it difficult to comprehend.

As I navigate through this reflection, I am eager to uncover what I might have missed during my tenure in corporate culture. There must be some compelling motivation that leads many to adopt these practices, as it seems unlikely that people would engage in them without reason.

What can explain this disconnect? Understanding this phenomenon could provide valuable