Is it better to be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond? There are tradeoffs, advantages, and disadvantages to consider when working at small, medium, and large sized companies. Pick where you go wisely and don't work at a FAANG for name recognition alone.

Small companies give you freedom at the cost of career structure, and large companies generally provide the opposite. Don't go chasing a fancy career title or a company to name-drop on your resume thinking that it will accelerate your career. Instead, find a career at a company where you are happy and find fulfillment. Being engaged in your work will accelerate your career much faster than your technical pedigree.