Thanks for the article. It bears out the experiences I have had working for small and large companies. Engineers in startups are closer to the business and (sometimes) to the customer. They are solving real problems and inventing new things. Though it can be stressful, it also gives you a sense of worth. The other thing is does is allow you to "play" in the sense of being creating - making new things and having fun doing it.
Large companies tend to be political. Folks want position, title, etc. As one person put it - "I handle 250 off-shore engineers". My instant reaction was "but what have you, personally, built today."
There is the notion that hierarchies are good. That as you move away from coding you are "rising" in the hierarchy. This substitution of image for ability while gratifying to the ego, kills creativity and promotes mediocrity.
As you state, and experience bears it out: software works best with core (small) teams with creative innovate people working for a common goal.
Large companies tend to be political. Folks want position, title, etc. As one person put it - "I handle 250 off-shore engineers". My instant reaction was "but what have you, personally, built today."
There is the notion that hierarchies are good. That as you move away from coding you are "rising" in the hierarchy. This substitution of image for ability while gratifying to the ego, kills creativity and promotes mediocrity.
As you state, and experience bears it out: software works best with core (small) teams with creative innovate people working for a common goal.