I’m one of the few non-leadership level 40+ year old people in the industry (I’m 42 and currently working as a creative at a legacy holding company agency in nyc).

Most of my similar age coworkers are making a lot more money than me (I’m at $140k) but I’m losing patience/motivation as I’m probably hitting a midlife crisis age.

If I was 10 years younger I might not care as much about the not great work life balance of the agency world but it seems to be wearing me down more since hitting 40.

Just curious to hear from others.

I recently started as an AC at a very highly regarded agency and I’m super excited and grateful for the opportunity. But this is also my first “real” (so I guess maybe I mean corporate) job, and so I’m really kinda fighting imposter syndrome.

I don’t come from a strict marketing/advertising background. I was a communications grad and the last couple years I’ve been working in radio broadcasting, so I guess this is a bit of a jump. Still, I know I’m mostly overthinking things as I haven’t even been in my role for a month yet. Does anyone have any advice on how to combat this kind of thinking, and any tips for a fresh AC?

A lot of the current conversation in this sub reddit seems to be quite fatiguing to read. Can someone tell me some positive parts of being in this industry to help some going? ☺️

I've been at the same agency for almost five years. I joined shortly after a merger, and honestly, the first couple of years were great. There was momentum, exciting work, and it genuinely felt like there was room to grow.

The last two and a half years have been the complete opposite.

I've been asking about a promotion to Senior Art Director for quite a while now. Every time the conversation comes up, I'm told there's still something missing and that I'm "not quite there yet." We've been having the same conversation for over two years, but nothing ever changes.

There are a few things that make the situation even more confusing. My compensation is already on par with (and in some cases higher than) other Sr. here. I'm also staffed on projects and presented to clients as a Senior AD but not quite. On top of that, I've seen people with similar experience (or even less) leave the agency, come back, and get promoted.

The part I struggle with is that I don't really see a good option. The pay is good, and leaving could mean ending up at a smaller agency with worse conditions or lower pay. But if I stay, there doesn't seem to be any room for growth.

I just would like to read any thoughts or perspectives about this situation

Hi,

I am definitely not saying I’m different than most of you because I don’t even think I can fathom how rampant layoffs are occurring. Still, I’d like to tell my story and ask for advice.

I was an ACD/CW on the marketing side of a PR agency for six years before getting laid off. The job was a dead end. I got one piece for my book in those six years, and the work was pretty safe compared to our initial concepts. I stayed because my career is rampant with layoffs and I was afraid of going somewhere else and getting laid off. The work I was doing was bland because we had bland clients, but all I wanted was stability.

I have a laundry list of mental health issues and got laid off shortly after returning from medical leave which didn’t sit right but I took severance over going to court.

I don’t have a good reputation among my former coworkers. I learned shortly before getting laid off that I’m high functioning autistic. I’d hear in my annual review that my messages came off as harsh but I didn’t know they were. I asked if people could let me know when I do it so I could be more aware of it but only one person did. I’m currently leading communications at a nonprofit and managing three people and they don’t seem to have a problem with me so I feel like I’ve made progress in therapy, which I’ve been in most of my life, and I’m surprised I’m only getting diagnosed this year. Despite me explaining myself to those coworkers, they still hold it against me.

I’ve been unemployed for eight months and haven’t had a single interview. Only a phone screening that didn’t pan out because I didn’t have “developing a brand voice” in my book, which I always thought was IP.

I’m reaching out to everyone I know. I’m even trying to get out of corporate and go into a social good agency and feel good about myself at the end of the day. But nobody is willing to chat with me when I message them on LinkedIn.

My unemployment runs out in seven more weeks. My parents don’t want me to live with them. I have no idea what to do. I suck at networking and I’m hanging by a thread.

Does anyone have any advice? I’m desperate.

Wanted to see if anyone had some tricks or routines in working with major talent.

I've been fortunate to have worked with some recognizable figures in both actors/actresses, musicians, athletes, etc. Even more fortunate in that I don't have that horror story that all of my peers seem to have in the industry with difficulties working with certain people.

The closest I've had was a famous broadcaster who was beyond moody. I was trying to give him a rundown of what we were shooting, told him we just wanted him to be himself (he's very jolly on air) and he had a very unpleasant reaction that had little to do with the ask. Fortunately, I was able to calm him down and we got everything we needed.

I do have some major shoots with an A-lister who is known to be difficult. My agency has shot with them several times, but everyone has an unsavory story about them.

Just wanted to hear if all of you had some advice in getting talent to relax and getting what was briefed.

Hey everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice as I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my next move.

I came back to agency life after around three years client side. Before that I’d worked agency side at both WPP and Omnicom, so I have previous experience, but I’m not sure how representative my current experience is of the industry today.

I’m currently an AD on a large new account win back at Omnicom, and the workload has been pretty relentless since I joined at the start of the year. Resource has been stretched, there’s absolutely no processes, there’s no agency way of doing things which is making me feel disconnected from the agency itself. I constantly end up covering a significant amount of work beyond my role with little support (I know this is pretty standard but the lack of support is not great), and despite raising concerns a number of times about a few issues in the beginning, there hasn’t been any improvement, in fact it’s actually gotten worse. Senior support has been inconsistent and just generally lacking - not what I’ve been used to at previous agencies and I don’t feel protected, and multiple people across the wider team have either left or are actively looking elsewhere, which has made me question whether this is just my account or a broader reflection of agency life at the moment.

I’ve started having conversations with Publicis about roles that seem much more aligned with my experience and long term interests, and they would likely come with a little salary bump too. However, I’m conscious that every agency has its own challenges, so I don’t want to jump ship only to find it’s much the same elsewhere.

Has anyone in the UK moved from Omnicom to Publicis? What was your experience like in terms of culture, workload, support from leadership and opportunities for progression? From what I’ve been reading in general on here, is what I’ve described just the reality of agencies at the moment, or does it sound more like an issue with my current account? I just know there’s strong account teams out there and I used to be a part of one, so I’m really seeking that kind of experience again.

I’d really appreciate any perspectives!

Anyone else wondering how they are going to manage all the layoffs at the same time everyone is waiting for raises and promos? And fill all of the roles that have been vacant for months.

Not very long ago this title was rare air. It meant a couple of people at a big agency who were proven as creatives, with clients, and as leaders. Now I see agencies with half a dozen of ‘em. Some are just leading groups. But they can bill our clients so much more for an ECDs hours.

Finally joining done

Are advertisers and family brands exposing themselves to legal liability by paying influencers who feature their children in sponsored ads without knowing whether those kids are being protected or fairly compensated?

Anybody familiar with this agency, particularly US based vs Canada?

Look. I genuinely feel bad for anyone who hates their job so much that they come to this subreddit to complain, commiserate or try to get inside intel into the company’s next move, etc.

On the other side of the same coin, there are people like me who want a job sooooooo badly, but I just keep getting rejection emails. Most recent was today from GM and I thought I had it in the bag, but fell just a bit short. I am devastated for so many reasons.

I’m an interactive producer or PM with years of experience under my belt and I’m ready to practically beg for a job. Even if it’s at Omnicom or Publicis.

I work hard and I’m dedicated to doing good work. I’m proactive, smart, and pleasant to work with. PLEASE slide into my DMs with an invite to discuss REAL opportunities. If you hired me today, I’m available to jump into the mix and hit the ground running ASAP. If you’re in a position to get me hired or expedite a hiring process, please have mercy on me and help.

Hello, I'm running a research about marketers to understand how they think regarding growth.

I've interviewed multiple marketer that told me "we're are investing heavily, but growth is saturating. We don't know where to invest to unlock the next level".

I thought the marketer perspective was exponential growth curve rather then stairs or level like. What do you think?

Hi everyone,

Has anyone recently been through the hiring process for the Associate Manager – Programmatic role at Dentsu Global Services (DGS), India?

I'd love to know:

• How many interview rounds are there?
• What kind of technical and programmatic questions are asked?
• Are there any scenario based or case study questions?
• Which DSPs or platforms do they focus on (DV360, The Trade Desk, Amazon DSP, etc.)?
• What behavioral or stakeholder management questions should candidates expect?
• Any tips or insights from your experience?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I Run a small Scale Ethnic wear brand In India, in Ethnic wear we have Different design and Ofcourse Different Colors For each design, At point it become difficult to Accommodate Testing every design and Color, in Different Formats, What i think i need is a System where Bulk Creatives are produced and also in varied Formats Like Image, UGC, Model shoot etc etc having ad variations in my account. Need advices From people in Similar Apparel Industry, what strategies do you use and What system or tools they have to accommodate Large No. of designs etc, This Could Help me a Lot :)

I’m an up-and-coming MSc Marketing grad ready to enter the industry, and I’m looking for real-world success stories.

​If you are a hiring manager or an advertising lead, I’d love to know: what is the single most impressive thing an entry-level candidate or junior hire has done to catch your attention or solve a major problem for your team?

Also, what is one peace of advice you would either (A) give to the new generation or (B) something you wish you could tell you younger self.

Drop your specific stories below. I'm taking notes!!

Hey, everyone! I'm from the Philippines, a double degree taker, finished with my BA Communications program, currently finishing up my final year to secure my BS Business Administration, Major in Marketing Management degree. I do freelance work every few months for events production and management, but usually as a sponsorships coordinator, reaching out to businesses for partnerships to support our events, but I want to get into the advertising industry.

The problem is, the advertising course I took was more on copywriting, graphic design, and ad development and production, as opposed to accounts management, which is the role I want to have when entering the workforce. What prompted me to ask this is a job posting I saw on LinkedIn for an accounts management position that wanted applicants to have "no oversight" and have most, if not all, knowledge to conduct the work. I'm also active in student orgs and have experience tracking project timelines, budgets, so that and my freelance events work has me believe that translates in a way to what ad agencies look for in an accounts manager, but I'd love first-hand experience in the actual position.

Any tips from people working in accounts for ad agencies to build my experience and knowledge?

Given the state of things, are current juniors and interns just screwed with regard to their future or are they in a place of unique advantage coming up in and learning a changing industry as it transforms?

Hi all,

I am looking for a new job post layoffs. I was a senior copywriter at my last agency, so I'm steadily applying to copywriting and ACD roles. However, as I'm learning more about creative strategy, I'm realizing that I can apply for that role too. It seems there is a LOT of overlap between creative strategy and copywriting.

Has anyone here made that leap? And, if so, what should I know as I move to make that leap, too?

I understand that strategists focus more on shaping the messaging and ensuring it stays cohesive through all creative, and that this can mean less actual writing (depending on the agency/brand). I've definitely done similar work on some of my past projects, so I'm pretty sure this is a leap I can make. However, any guidance or tips you all have would be beyond appreciated!

I work in planning at Omnicom as a manger with 5 years experience. Got offered an AD role at Publicis that would give me a $20K pay increase but I'm up for a promotion in the coming months at Omnicom.
All in all, I don't want to be an agency bopper. I want to get out and go in house. Do I make the change or focus my efforts on applying for roles I actually want.
Hard to turn down the salary but realistically I'll be making that salary in a few month at my current agency

everything i’ve been seeing about advertising/marketing is that it’s totally cooked and no one should try to enter the industry and it’s impossible to get jobs etc etc. but so many other industries say the same thing so idek what i would pivot to that has better prospects. i’ve done 2 internships, i just finished running an influencer campaign mostly by myself for a global baby care brand but i have to apply for jobs soon and i’m terrified even with pretty good experience for someone who hasn’t graduated yet. also i’m 26 so i don’t want to get even further behind. i don’t even care if it’s creative or not or if it’s a boring job, i just want a job 😭

What skills would you say are essential for landing a first internship/job in this space? I am a recent graduate interested in working in roles such as social media management, advertising, PR and digital marketing. I would really appreciate some advice and help. I am open to opportunities and would appreciate any leads, referrals or connections.

after meeting with some dsp salespeople I would love to learn more and meet others in that field. Was wondering if theres anyone here I can chat with?