The term “corporate America” means different things to different people. To some individuals corporate America creates thoughts of multinational corporations housed in sky-high buildings with more employees than can be counted. Others define corporate America by the environment it often fosters: competitive, impersonal and mercenary.

Nevertheless, working for big businesses can provide more money, more prestige, and more opportunities to have a greater effect in one’s chosen industry than working for smaller and less recognized companies. However, despite the positives, there are still aspects of working in corporate America that people find disheartening. The following are issues people tend to have while working in a corporate environment.

Issue 1 —It’s Too Competitive

Everyone is trying to climb the corporate ladder at the same time, and some people will pull you down to beat you to the top. This can create excess stress among employees who feel like they always have to be ahead of the next person. It’s difficult to have camaraderie among employees in an environment that’s so divisive.

Issue 2—It Can Be Grueling

Don’t expect to work 9-5 everyday in corporate America. You’ll be lucky if you don’t take work home. Projects come first, not drinks after work, exercise or beauty rest. The long hours can interfere with people’s family and social lives.

Issue 3—It’s Unstable

Because corporate America is so money driven, owners always do what they must to cut costs or make a profit. This can equate to thousands of layoffs at a time in large corporations. It’s difficult to work well and enjoy your work when everyone knows you may not have a job unless so much money is earned in a certain quarter, or your company is about to be bought out, again.

Issue 4 —It Doesn’t Embrace Cultural Differences

Because corporate America is largely controlled by white males, they often define what is acceptable regarding everything from speech, to dress, to hair styles. For African-Americans and other minorities this can be very frustrating, as they may feel they have to “hide” a part of themselves to fit into the dominant white culture.

Part 2 of “Working in Corporate America: Sink or Swim?” will discuss how to succeed in a corporate environment.

Chaz Kyser is the author of “Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life After College” ($14.99, Seshet Press). Purchase the book online at www.embracingtherealworld.com. Send comments about this article to column@embracingtherealworld.com.