Your choice here doesn't seem to be 'startup vs BigCo', it seems to be 'shit job vs good job'.
You may well find a startup that, on the surface, is compatible with your own wants and needs, but after a short period of being there, it's just the same annoyances that got you down in the last job.
Conversely you may well find a BigCo job that is the polar opposite of what you experienced in the last one.
I don't believe that answering your question with a basic 'yes, startups will be better' or 'no, stick to BigCo' will really help you.
What you really need to do is selectively apply for jobs once your research into the company (big or small) satisfies you enough. Read their website, blog, Twitter feed, employee opinions (if possible) and so on, and strike from your list any potential job that doesn't tick all your boxes.
After that it's up to you to ask these questions about a day in the life at the office to your interviewer, and to assess the working environment if you're interviewed on-site. If you're not happy, leave it. If you are, weigh it up against any other interviews you've had.
Remember that, in the bigger picture, you're after a good job for you. Whether that's startup or BigCo depends entirely on the impression you get from them.
Your choice here doesn't seem to be 'startup vs BigCo', it seems to be 'shit job vs good job'.
You may well find a startup that, on the surface, is compatible with your own wants and needs, but after a short period of being there, it's just the same annoyances that got you down in the last job.
Conversely you may well find a BigCo job that is the polar opposite of what you experienced in the last one.
I don't believe that answering your question with a basic 'yes, startups will be better' or 'no, stick to BigCo' will really help you.
What you really need to do is selectively apply for jobs once your research into the company (big or small) satisfies you enough. Read their website, blog, Twitter feed, employee opinions (if possible) and so on, and strike from your list any potential job that doesn't tick all your boxes.
After that it's up to you to ask these questions about a day in the life at the office to your interviewer, and to assess the working environment if you're interviewed on-site. If you're not happy, leave it. If you are, weigh it up against any other interviews you've had.
Remember that, in the bigger picture, you're after a good job for you. Whether that's startup or BigCo depends entirely on the impression you get from them.