Ask HN: Startup acquired by a large company and it sucks. What to do?

Article summary

A startup with 50 employees was acquired by a large company, and the experience has been frustrating for the employees due to the slow pace and bureaucratic processes. The author shares a story about trying to migrate their apps to the parent company's platform, which was hindered by a lengthy feature request process and lack of access to the codebase. The author is considering what to do next, given the significant change in work environment. The acquisition has led to a shift from a fast-paced startup culture to a more slow and bureaucratic corporate environment.

Main themes

• corporate bureaucracy
• startup culture
• acquisition challenges
• work-life balance
• regulatory compliance
• career development
• company culture

What commenters say

• The large company's slow pace and bureaucracy are typical of many big corporations, and it's not worth trying to change them.
• The employee's expectations of a quick turnaround are unrealistic, and they should understand the complexities of working in a large organization.
• The company's processes and prioritization may be necessary for managing multiple requests and dependencies, but better communication could help alleviate frustrations.
• The employee should consider leaving the company and finding a new job that better fits their needs and work style, as the corporate culture may not be a good fit.
• The acquisition has marked the achievement of the startup's goal, and the employee can now focus on their own well-being and find a better work-life balance.
• The lack of access to the codebase and the lengthy feature request process may be due to regulatory requirements and compliance issues, rather than just bureaucratic red tape.
• The employee's career may not be at risk due to their questions and concerns, and they should not assume the worst about the company's intentions.
• Leaving the company may be the best option, as the corporate environment can be toxic and unfulfilling, and it's better to prioritize one's own happiness and well-being.