How can I tell if I would be happier in a startup or the corporate world?

If you are creative and energetic - go start-up. If you like to have rules and procedures for everything -- and enjoy office-politics -- go corporate.

I guess it would depend on whether or not you enjoy being a part of developing a business from the start or prefer to work in an already established business with all decisions decided.

If you have an adventurous spirit, love change, don’t mind being flexible, and doing whatever you have to do to get the job done, then a start up is for you.

Startups are great for fast paced go getters. Corporate is great for stability. There is no such thing as happiness.

it really depends on your role and if you’re doing what you really crave

Get experience in both worlds.

I generally am not happy with a lot of bureaucracy - so depending on the Corporation and how the employees can look to other departments for help or reference would give me a feel.

Try both and see how you like it.

if you like to wear many hats a start up is the place to be

Self assessments night help you understand the environment you desire. Risk tolerance might be another thing to look at. Try shadowing or finding a mentor in each structure and see how you like that. Those would all help.

Do you like to know what you have to do each day when you get into work? Do you like to have some rationality and consistency in what is expected of you? Do you like the ability to know your job security is not at the personal whims of a single individual? Then stick with Corporate world. Startup space is not for you.