A Journey from small business to Corporate: Why the Shift Can Be Eye-Opening

Transitioning from a small business environment to a corporate setting can be a significant adjustment, and for many, it can be a stark contrast that leaves them questioning the norms of the corporate world. After spending nearly a decade in a close-knit company of about 200 employees, I recently made the leap to a Fortune 500 corporation. Unfortunately, my experience has been far from positive, and I find myself reflecting on the widespread appeal of large organizations despite the challenges they often present.

In my previous role, the organizational structure was refreshingly straightforward: a direct line from the CEO to management and then to junior staff. This flat hierarchy fostered collaboration, transparency, and a sense of camaraderie. Colleagues were encouraged to support one another and work collectively towards success. By contrast, my move to a giant corporate entity brought me face-to-face with a culture that felt alien—rife with backstabbing, gossip, and an unsettling level of toxicity that contradicted my core values.

It was disheartening to witness behaviors that seemed to prioritize personal gain over teamwork. Interactions often felt like a strategic game of telephone, where information was manipulated or withheld to undermine others, rather than a collaborative effort aimed at improving the organization as a whole. I always believed that a productive work environment was built on mutual respect and shared goals, but my corporate experience left me grappling with a culture focused on individual politics and negativity.

After enduring this environment, I made a bold decision to leave my corporate position and embark on my own entrepreneurial journey. My lingering question, however, is: why do so many individuals find these corporate roles appealing? Is it simply a matter of routine, or is there something more that attracts people to such toxic atmospheres?

I have wondered whether the allure of stability, benefits, and perceived prestige overshadows the drawbacks that come with corporate life. Do individuals wake up each day, fully aware of the unhealthy dynamics, and accept this as the standard? It baffles me how many people seem to thrive in an environment where self-preservation outweighs teamwork.

In seeking clarity, I realize this experience has opened my eyes to a larger issue: the corporate culture that many accept as “normal.” While my views may stem from a lack of exposure, the question persists: what is it about these practices that some believe lead to success in the corporate arena?

In sharing my story, I am