Rpaczan has good advice. I'll add that with a large corporation you know the package deals on retirement, insurance, vacation time and pay. When working for a small business you do not. Granted a large corporation can be stifling and very difficult for advancement, especially without some kind of a degree ( a two year degree is almost a requirement these days). Especially down in the South many small business have what I call a plantation mentality; keep the employee dumb and give them nothing; "you will get your vacation at Christmas for one week just like all the rest of us" or "no you can't have just one day, you must take it all together in one week"; " you have reached the top of your pay scale, you're not getting any more raises" . With small businesses it is much more relevant as to how well they are doing financially and the personal relationship between you and the owners. Within a large corporation there is the personal relationship between you and the "boss', but the ladder for advancement and your financial well being is much more defined. Good Luck!