Navigating the Corporate World: A Personal Journey from small business to Fortune 500

As I reflect on my career journey, I find myself grappling with a perplexing question: What is it that draws people to large organizations and corporate roles? My recent experience has left me questioning the very essence of workplace culture in these environments.

For the first eight years of my professional life, I was immersed in the world of a small company—one with fewer than 200 employees. The organization boasted a flat structure where collaboration thrived under three simple layers: CEO, manager, and junior staff. While the senior individuals contributed their expertise, it was ultimately the manager who guided us. This setup fostered an engaging environment focused on collective success.

However, my recent transition to a Fortune 500 company starkly contrasted my previous experience. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the most disheartening periods of my career. Engaging with others in forums like Reddit, I discovered I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. Tales of miscommunication, competitive sabotage, and toxic workplace behavior emerged as recurring themes, painting a troubling yet common picture of corporate life.

This shift from the collaborative spirit of my earlier workplace to the cutthroat mentality found in larger organizations was jarring. I found myself amidst a culture where individuals seemed more preoccupied with undermining peers and playing political games rather than focusing on productivity and teamwork. Tasks that could have been dedicated to driving profits and elevating colleagues were instead often consumed by rumors and misinformation.

Having dedicated nearly a decade working with the belief that each day was an opportunity to contribute positively, I was taken aback by the stark realities of corporate life. The pervasive negativity was a stark departure from my ideals, prompting me to take decisive action—I left my corporate role and decided to venture into entrepreneurship.

This leads me to ponder: Why is there such an allure for individuals to seek positions within large organizations, even when they may harbor toxic cultures? Is there an unspoken agreement that this environment is acceptable or even desired?

It raises the question: Do employees genuinely find satisfaction in a corporate reality where drama and manipulation seem to overshadow genuine work ethics? I can’t help but feel like I’ve stumbled into an entirely different universe, one where these behaviors are normalized, and the notion of teamwork and cooperation feels paradoxical.

I’m not here to generalize, but I seek understanding. What am I missing? There seems to be a discrepancy between the values I hold and the corporate