Planning to switch to a start-up? Read this to know the right time for it.

With the start-up industry getting a boost in Indian markets, experienced professionals as well as students are switching their interests to the fresh players. A recent report published in Economic Times makes the picture clearer by explaining how and why and from where these young firms are getting manpower?

The report says that higher risk and potentiality to identify the higher return capability is leading Indian executives to make the shift. Apart from that, autonomy and potentially handsome returns is creating ways for experts to give up less demanding jobs in the corporate world and to enter the high-risk, high churn startup workforce.

The report also points out the shift as a ‘tough decision’ as it's not any easier to decide on the best time to join a start-up as they come in all shapes and forms which, in no time, turn out into an organizational structure as soon as they start growing.

As per the experts, what matters the most is the stage at which you are joining it, which depends on what you are looking for. The results came after industry insiders evaluated the start-ups for risk, reward, and the talent that you bring to it.

Aneesh Passi, co-founder Basil Advisors, which recruits C-level executives for new enterprises says, “Junior or mid-level employees might be interested in going to the bigger, established startups as a positive career move, but mid to senior-level executives are keen to join companies in the Series-A and B stage where they can build something bigger and meatier."

TaxiForSure co-founder Raghunandan G says that the proverbial garage exists only at the ideation stage, before the startup has garnered any recognition. "You have to be extremely ambitious and aspirational to join a startup at that stage," feels the IIM-A graduate, who assembled a great core team that left the company once it was sold to Ola to found their own companies or take up senior roles in other startups. "You will be shadowing the employer and learn a lot of things, and will be more likely to get promoted," he added.

If you are a senior executive thinking of jumping into the startup bandwagon, it may be better to wait until startups have found their feet and are in need of experienced managerial guidance.

Image: thinkstock