5 lessons Ive learned from working at a startup

5 lessons Ive learned from working at a startup5 lessons Ive learned from working at a startupShould you work at a startup? Heres what to expect during your first year in the startup world.March 10, 2015 was my one-year anniversary at WeWork, a company that equips businesses with beautiful shared office spaces around the world.I rejoined a team after almost one year of freelancing, waiting for the right opportunity to dive into another job role. Immediately after my casual (but still, two-hour) interview, I knew this was it.Over the last twelve months, Ive learned mora than I can boil down into five points. But I believe these lessons speak to startup culture, and the amazing opportunities such an environment presents.Be ready for anythingHere more than anywhere now more than ever. Im surrounded with more opportunity than Id ever thought Id find, and with opportunity comes spontaneity. Be ready to change directions and adapt ideas. Resiliency is my best friend.New ideas can be frustr atingWhen youre part of something so new and innovative, some of the foundation is built and some doesnt exist yet, either because you didnt need it yesterday or because youve been skirting the rules to make it this far.Ive gotten involved in projects where we charted new territory, drew up a roadmap, traveled it and then subsequently decided to scrap it and start over. When you find an idea that works, remember that just because it does now doesnt mean it will next week, or next month. Play with different methods welcome change. The startup world is ever-evolving.Youre something biggerIve become accustomed to the overwhelming sense that Im part of something bigger than my day-to-day life. Theres a tangible energy in the air that motivates you to get through the late nights staring at a glowing computer screen in New York, when you have an early-morning phone call with London.Youll make friendsIts impossible not to when surrounded by other young, passionate people. As WeWork grows, I feel like Im gaining friends around the world. And those of us living in the saatkorn city spend time together even when we dont have to, like for weekend work sessions.Get ready to drink. A lotAs intense and taxing as the days can be, startups party hard thanks to WeWork, my first summer camp experience was at age 25 Ive celebrated birthdays, holidays, new hires, new cities Then again, what shouldve I expected from a place known for kegs in every kitchen?