Like most things in life, when there is an opportunity for change, we tend to shy away from it for fear of the unknown and end up settling within our comfort zone of what is familiar and low-risk.

Given the comfort level of where you currently are at professionally, as well as your concerns about job security, the next key question would be where you want to see yourself professionally a few years from now.

In my opinion, the change may be more rewarding than what you expect. Working in smaller companies often creates more opportunities for you to showcase your abilities and project greater visibility in the good work you do.

This visibility and recognition (a potential push factor), can strongly justify and expedite the career progression you are hoping to achieve. The aspect of career progression, often clouded by a significant level of ambiguity, is often inevitably lost when working in larger companies, where your contributions are seen as part of a greater effort rather than an individual one.

As such, working within a smaller workforce may provide you faster career progression – the very thing that you deemed to be lacking in your current role. You may also have a more rewarding working experience than what you have been accustomed to in larger companies, such as the one you are a part of now.

As for your concern about how you would fit into the company culture, it is in my experience that you can’t have a good gauge of the fit till you are immersed in it. Working in a smaller company would allow you to experience a lot of camaraderie and forge closer relationships with your colleagues. You should be particularly mindful that company culture is a constant work in progress. The culture you are experiencing at present may not remain the same forever.

While considering the cultural aspect of the workplace, always remember that all employees have a role to play in shaping the company culture. With a more senior role, you would be in a better position to influence, create and maintain a culture that the company will need for success.

 Take the leap of faith and pursue the new opportunity if you are someone who finds joy and meaning in being part of a growing business, and you will thrive in something new. This change will give you an opportunity to grow as an individual and professionally.

 Look and think deeper into what has kept you going in your current company. Have an open and candid conversation with your manager on how you see yourself growing within the company and hear what they have to say in response to that. You may be pleasantly surprised.