Need Honest Opinions — Stuck or Growing? 🤔

I joined a startup as a Full Stack Developer (focused on Backend) when it wasn’t even registered — just 4-5 of us building from scratch. No HR, no structure — just pure learning, ownership, and direct guidance from the CTO.

Fast forward a year: the team grew to 13-15, I got a 13% hike, but now things feel different. HR is in, structure is in, and so is corporate politics. The learning pace has slowed, and the freedom I once had is shrinking.

The product is solid, the team is okay — but I feel my growth is stalling. I'm considering a switch but unsure:

• Will I get a CTO who’s as open and supportive?
• Can I find that early-stage startup learning again?
• Is 1 year too early to move on?
• Or is this just a normal transition phase?

Would really appreciate advice from anyone who’s been through this — how did you know it was time to move on?

#fullstackdeveloper #backenddev #startupjourney #firstjob #switchingjobs #learningcurve #grapevine