Starting a career is a significant moment in anyone’s life, and when you begin in a developing startup ecosystem in a city like Bhopal, it brings unique experiences. My journey into the world of startups began in 2020, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in several different roles within small-scale ventures. Through this article, I’ll share my experience of working in startups in Bhopal, shedding light on the challenges, rewards, and lessons I’ve learnt along the way.
1. Starting Out in a Small GPS Startup: The Reality of Wearing Many Hats
Like many fresh graduates, my career started modestly. In 2020, I took up my first job with a relative of my uncle, who ran a small business selling GPS devices and tech equipment. I was offered ₹5,000 a month, which seemed fair at the time, considering I had just begun.
However, the job turned out to be much more than I had anticipated. In this small startup, I became the go-to person for everything. From managing the front desk and handling customer queries to working as a salesperson, tech support, and even delivering orders, I was doing it all. The responsibilities were overwhelming for such a small salary. What became even more discouraging was the delay in my salary at the end of the first month.
For me, it wasn’t just about the money; it was about feeling valued and respected. I quickly realised that doing so many jobs for such little recognition and remuneration was not sustainable. After a month, I decided to move on.
2. Joining an Aadhaar Update Centre: Stability Without Growth
Looking for something more stable, I took up a job at an Aadhaar update centre, working as a customer service executive and document verifier. The role came with a slightly better salary of ₹8,500 per month. However, it didn’t take long for me to realise that this role lacked growth potential.
The work was repetitive, with no new learning or challenges. Worse, since it was a government-backed project, our salaries were often delayed — sometimes by as much as five months. Financial uncertainty, coupled with a stagnant role, made me feel like I was treading water, with no future prospects in sight.
3. Venturing Into Digital Marketing: A Tough Start with a Learning Curve
Frustrated by the lack of career development, I decided to pivot into a completely new field: digital marketing. Before applying for roles, I had completed a course in digital marketing, hoping it would open new doors for me. I was excited to join a digital marketing company, but the reality hit hard when I was offered an internship for ₹1,000 in my first month.
Yes, just ₹1,000. The second month was marginally better, with ₹5,000 as compensation. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially when the cost of commuting 12 kilometres to the office made it difficult to save any money. But I remained committed to learning, knowing that experience in this field could prove valuable in the long run.
4. From Intern to Full-Time Employee: Gaining Experience in a Startup
Fortunately, an opportunity arose when one of the employees in the company resigned unexpectedly. With no other immediate options, the company offered me a full-time role. My responsibilities expanded, and I became the go-to person for web development and SEO tasks.
Working in this role for over a year, I learnt a great deal. I gained hands-on experience with managing websites, running SEO campaigns, and digital marketing strategies. While the learning experience was rich, the pressure was high. In startups, especially small ones, you are often expected to take on multiple roles, which can be mentally and physically exhausting.
5. The Pressure in Startups: Witnessing Burnout First-Hand
In startups, the expectations can sometimes be unrealistic. As one of the few employees in a small team, I often found myself juggling numerous responsibilities. I wasn’t alone in this. Many of my colleagues were similarly overburdened. I witnessed several colleagues break down under the pressure, and I had my moments of frustration too.
Startups in Bhopal, like many others in smaller cities, tend to operate with limited resources. The workforce is lean, and employees are expected to deliver results that would typically require a much larger team. This often leads to burnout. But what made it more bearable was the camaraderie among my colleagues. In challenging times, your co-workers become your support system.
6. Learning Amidst Chaos: The Silver Lining in Startups
Despite the stress and the demanding work environment, my time in startups was not without its benefits. The level of learning in a startup is immense, mainly because you are thrown into different roles, and you’re forced to figure things out. You develop a diverse skill set and learn to work independently.
This is perhaps the greatest advantage of working in startups: the opportunity to grow quickly. You are entrusted with responsibilities you wouldn’t get in a larger corporation until much later in your career.
7. The Struggles of Startups in Bhopal: Limited Resources and Vision
One of the main challenges I observed working in Bhopal’s startup scene is the lack of long-term vision. Many startups here are started with the sole intention of making quick profits rather than building something sustainable. Once they achieve a small level of success, they often expand too quickly without a proper plan in place.
Moreover, startups in smaller cities like Bhopal are often founded as side ventures by individuals who are still working full-time jobs elsewhere. This split focus can result in a lack of leadership and direction, which hinders the growth of the company. Many startups in the city are started out of necessity rather than passion or innovation.
8. The Lack of Professionalism in Startups in Bhopal
Another significant issue I encountered is the lack of professionalism in many startups in Bhopal. Roles and responsibilities are often unclear, communication can be poor, and there is a general lack of organisational structure. This makes it difficult to work efficiently and leads to a chaotic work environment.
Professionalism is key to maintaining a healthy workplace, and unfortunately, many startups in Bhopal still have a long way to go in this regard. Employees often feel undervalued, which leads to high turnover rates, further impacting the company’s performance and growth potential.
9. The Future of Startups in Bhopal: A Need for Change
Bhopal’s startup ecosystem has potential, but it needs significant changes to thrive. Startups must focus on building sustainable business models with a clear long-term vision. Founders need to adopt a more professional approach and treat their employees as valuable assets, not just replaceable parts of a machine.
Salaries in Bhopal’s startup scene also need to reflect the effort and skill that employees bring to the table. Even experienced professionals often struggle to earn more than ₹20,000 a month, which makes it difficult for them to stay in the city when better opportunities exist in places like Pune and Bangalore.
10. Conclusion: A Journey of Learning, Challenges, and Growth
My experience of working in small startups in Bhopal has been a mixed bag of challenges and growth. While I have faced low salaries, high pressure, and a lack of respect in some roles, I have also gained invaluable experience that has shaped my career. Startups in smaller cities like Bhopal may lack the glamour and resources of their counterparts in bigger cities, but they provide an intense learning environment that can fast-track your professional development.
The startup ecosystem in Bhopal still has a lot of room for improvement, particularly in terms of professionalism, employee respect, and long-term vision. However, for those willing to persevere, there are opportunities to learn and grow, even in challenging circumstances.
FAQs
- What are the main challenges of working in startups in Bhopal?
The primary challenges include low salaries, high workloads, lack of professionalism, and limited growth opportunities. - Is working in a startup in Bhopal a good choice for career growth?
Startups in Bhopal can provide a valuable learning experience, especially if you’re starting your career. However, growth may be limited compared to larger cities. - How does the startup ecosystem in Bhopal differ from other cities?
Startups in Bhopal tend to focus on short-term gains and often lack long-term vision and proper planning. This differs from cities like Pune or Bangalore, where startups are more structured and growth-oriented. - What skills can you develop by working in a startup in Bhopal?
Working in a startup can help you develop a wide range of skills, including multitasking, problem-solving, digital marketing, web development, and customer service. - Why do many professionals leave Bhopal for bigger cities?
Many professionals leave Bhopal due to better salary packages, more structured work environments, and greater opportunities for career progression in cities like Pune, Bangalore, or Delhi.