Not everything needs to be decided on logic alone. Sometimes it’s about where you’ll grow more as a person and designer. This requires patience which is not a skill that can be taught. Surely can be learnt.
Ask yourself truthfully:
Where will you be mentored more deeply?
Where will your voice matter more?
Which team will push your boundaries, not just tick boxes?
A highly performing coach once shared: If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Working with seasoned folks early on is like skipping design school and heading straight to the masters. You’ll absorb mindset, process and nuance that no tutorial can teach.
Founding designer = chaos + ownership + creative freedom and anything you would want.
Generalist at a mature startup = structure + focused ethics + steady climb.
Both are valid. But only one aligns with the version of you you're aiming to become. This is a key part of your lifestyle design. Deep down, you already know where you see yourself.
Rooting for you @GOATLORD. You'll figure it out.