Do I choose a big company or a startup to start a new life in another country?

A 10 year old startup with 200 employees doesn’t sound like a very risky proposition to me. It seems like they’ve established themselves reasonably well. And you’re 27 and single so no dependents. I would go for the job that excites you the most – and the city that excites you the most. Seems like potentially a win-win. This won’t be the last job you’ll ever have.

You might need a work visa to work in another country. Also you would have to qualify to become an immigrant.

It’s not really your choice, since there are many regulations in many countries.
My son bought a business in Ireland only to find out he needed to get his own license and it would take years, if ever.

Thank you for all the answers,

I would like to note that both companies have dedicated teams who help with the Visa process.

I assume both companies are in relatively the same business. If yes, then divide the company sales by the number of employees. That number should be around $200,000 to $800,000 or above if they are a profitable business. If they manufacture products, figure the lower end of the band. If they are all software and services figure the higher end.
Since you are young with few obligations this will be the best time to try something risky.
Good luck! These are exciting times!

Age 27 is a great time to follow your heart and take risks. You have a strong work history, and either of these jobs would add to that. Yes, the startup might not work out. But there’s a very good chance you would be able to get a safe job if that happens. And if the startup does work out, then you’ve gotten everything you want. So I would recommend taking the job you want (as long as it passes the test that @LuckyGuy mentioned).

Thank you so much for the answers again, but there’s once thing I don’t get, @SavoirFaire – about having a very good chance to get a safe job if the startup blows up. Where does this good chance come from you mean?

Also I’m not that good with numbers but it says they’re making around $10M of revenue, with 150–200 employees. They produce software only. How does this sound?

Because you’re young, take the job at the startup. In developed countries, it’s easier to find a new job if something bad happens to that job.

@mests Assuming 175 employees, $10M of revenue is only $57,000 per employee. That does not sound good for long term profitability and the ability to pay wages. Could it be $100M?
Ask about it in the interview. Go in with your eyes open!

@LuckyGuy Unfortunately it says $10M only. Some other website says $20M.
I have already passed my interviews, and finally signed the contract today…

Not sure how come I missed this part…

You’ll do well, and help the company grow. You are young enough to be flexible about these things, and the extra experience, across international lines, will stand you in good stead. Trust your instincts, you signed the contract, move forward with confidence.

Good luck with this!

Congratulations @mests !
You’ll help push them to the $100M goal! Great!

@mests The reason I say you have a very good chance of getting a safe job if the startup blows up is that you have a strong work history for someone your age, and the new startup job will only make that stronger. You are also moving to a place where your industry is growing. There are no guarantees in life, but I think the risk is worth it.

I am also someone who took a risk in my mid-20s and changed my entire life. It hasn’t always gone as I expected, but I’ve never regretted it.

Awesome answers and great community. I only found out about this website yesterday but I am so grateful for everyone who took the time to read and reply to the thread.

Thank you for all the support.

@mests “always my dream to unfortunately live somewhere else”. First explain what that is supposed to mean.

@omtatsat It means that English isn’t their first language and/or that autocorrect changed the word “ultimately” to “unfortunately.” These things happen.