Dreaming of joining a startup?  They look exciting, come with flashy benefits and offer the chance to do something different.  While there are very good reasons to accept a job with one, there are also reasons not to do it.  So, if you are thinking about joining a startup, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are you willing to accept a heavier workload?

2. Do you know the startup's investors and has it been funded appropriately?

3. Is this a better more, just something different, or are you desperate to leave your present position?

4. Can you handle a volatile, quickly changing environment?

5. Are you ready to be hands-on, working with fewer resources?

6. Do you realize that your job may be more undefined than the job description you received?

Startups can be great.  Just make sure you are joining for the right reasons; they are funded so you won't be out of work within a short period of time and you are aware of what you may be asked to do.