To Be a Small Fish in a Big Pond or a Big Fish in a Small Pond?

There are differences between working as a subordinate in a large enterprise and presiding in a small firm, just as there are distinct differences between being a small fish in a big pond and a big fish in a small pond.

With the former, you can derive a deep sense of satisfaction from being a member of a well-known organization such as IBM or Unilever. You have the opportunities of learning from chief experienced executives and knowing about the standard working process.

With the latter, you have greater responsibilities and your decision may bring immediate effect. Normally you are exposed to various experiences and expected to do a great many things without much help or guidance.

Personally I prefer to work in a small enterprise, where I am more likely to be promoted. To be frank, I'd rather become a well-known and important figure within my own small pond than swim as an unknown and small shrimp in a big golden pond. (162 words)

结构剖析

文章分为四段

第一段指出话题，要做大公司的下级还是小公司的主管。

第二段分析了在大企业做下级的好处，可以学到更多经验，了解工作流程。

第三段分析了在小企业做主管的优势，有更大的责任。

第四段指出了作者的观点，在小企业有更大的发展空间。

要做大池子里的小鱼还是小池子里的大鱼?

在一家大企业中做下级与在一家小公司当主管，这之间有很大差别，就像大池子里的小鱼和小池子里的大鱼差别很明显一样。

如果是前者，作为知名机构中的成员，如国际商用机器公司(IBM)或联合利华(Unilever)，你能获得很强烈的满足感。你有机会从有经验的首席执行官身上学习，并且了解标准的工作流程。

如果是后者，你有更大的责任，而且你的决定可以马上生效。通常，你会处在各种经历的影响下，并且有可能在没有多少帮助或监督下做大量的事情。

依我个人看来，我习惯在小企业工作，在那里我更有可能得到晋升。坦白地说，我宁愿在我自己的小池子里成为出名的重要人物，而不是成为一个在大的金色池塘游来游去的不知名的小虾。

subordinate n. 下属

preside v. 主持，主管

with the former 如果是前者

well-known adj. 有名的，著名的

with the latter 如果是后者

expect to do sth. 期望做某事

personally adv. 就个人而言

promote v. 提升，提拔

to be frank 坦白说

1. You have the opportunities of learning from chief experienced executives and knowing about the standard working process. 你有机会从有经验的首席执行官身上学习，并且了解标准的工作流程。

2. Normally you are exposed to various experiences and expected to do a great many things without much help or guidance. 通常，你会处在各种经历的影响下，并且有可能在没有多少帮助或监督下做大量的事情。

3. To be frank, I'd rather become a well-known and important figure within my own small pond than swim as an unknown and small shrimp in a big golden pond. 坦白地说，我宁愿在我自己的小池子里成为出名的重要人物，而不是成为一个在大的金色池塘游来游去的不知名的小虾。