Chaos-Led Growth: What I Gained From Part-timing at a Startup

I recently began a corporate role as an IT SharePoint Consultant at a medium-sized international company. However, before diving into this new chapter, I want to reflect on a pivotal experience in my journey—my time as a part-time software developer at a startup. That period was unique and transformative, shaping my perspective on work, teamwork, and adaptability within the tech industry.

During that time, I was balancing my studies, interning, and family life. In between all of that, I found an opportunity to contribute to a small but ambitious startup. My role? Well, it wasn’t exactly defined. That’s the beauty (and sometimes the challenge) of working in a startup—everyone wears multiple hats.

While my title may have suggested software development, my tasks spanned a broad spectrum. On some days, I was deep into firmware development, and on others, I was recording receipts for bookkeeping purposes. There were no rigid job descriptions; if something needed to be done, I was ready to jump in.

To be honest, I find this chaotic but on the other hand, there’s a part of it that is exciting. The unpredictability of each day kept me engaged, and I gained insights into different aspects of running a business—something I wouldn’t have learned in a strictly technical role.

The biggest takeaway from this experience was the freedom I had in development. Unlike structured corporate environments, where tasks come with specific guidelines, the startup gave me full control over my projects—whether it was firmware, a website, or a mobile app. Since I was building something from scratch, something yet to be implemented, I had the freedom to experiment, learn from my mistakes, and grow in the process.

Another invaluable lesson was adaptability. In a small team, there’s no such thing as “not my job.” You help where you can, and in doing so, you develop skills beyond your primary expertise. This ability to pivot and take on different roles is something I now appreciate more than ever in my career.

Sure, there were moments when I questioned why am I doing mundane tasks when I should just focus on programming. But looking back, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It gave me exposure to real-world business operations, strengthened my problem-solving skills, and prepared me for the ever-changing landscape of the tech industry.

As I transition into my new role, I carry these lessons with me. Working at a startup taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of flexibility—qualities that I believe will serve me well in any career path I choose.