Hey all - does anyone have open Art Director roles at the moment? My husband was recently laid off due to client budgets getting slashed (vs. performance) and would appreciate any leads. He worked on a ton of paid social creative, OOH, etc. and is client-facing. Thanks in advance.

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I started a full time in-house design job that pays extremely well. I barely have to work at all. This makes me very confused since I kept hearing stories of people working 60+ hr weeks as designers at ad agencies. I am not complaining, but I have this creeping irrational feeling that I’ll get fired for not working even though there’s nothing for me to do. Should i be making up projects or asking for more work? Or just chill out? I just feel very confused. Are a lot of full time jobs like this?

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Got laid off and I am struggling to find a job + when I melt down thinking I won’t find anything any time soon even though I love the ad industry, my partner suggest to switch fields. Anyone going through the same?

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Recently joined a digital / social first shop after getting laid off from a traditional ad agency... it’s amazing how much more impactful the work can be when every single person that you work with isn’t just trying to make a TV spot.

Just needed to shout this into the abyss. Thank you.

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Hi y’all, I am a Design Strategist at a Minneapolis AD agency. I have 3 years of Ad experience, switched from corporate environment. If this year taught me anything it’s not to be surprised. After George Floyd I can’t help but judge my environment and how senseless and apathetic non-BIPOC people can be to our realities. A whole pandemic going on, a few days away from the election and I got laid off. I’m a Black woman with a strong work ethic, if anyone has career advice please share. Thank you!

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I hired this digital marketing guy and he's doing alright but he doesn't respond to my emails. I almost fired him yesterday after he tested with 50% of our ad budget. I paid a month in advance and I honestly don't see this moving forward past the first month. Anyone have experiences that might help me make this decision?

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For the ad veterans on here: is it worth staying agency-side in your mid-career?

All of these posts from people working insane hours, weekends, layoffs, ageism, etc. are making me wonder if I should just go client-side next.

I want to learn more, do work for national brands, and work with smart, talented people... But I also don't want the insane hours or constant threat of downsizing.

Do agencies that offer the above with some form of work-life balance exist?

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OK, biggest fuck up of your career? Mine: I didn’t check the final proof for a supermarket print ad so there was a fridge on sale for 50 bucks. Almost got fired. Yours?

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My old agency is soon going to be releasing work that was originally my art director and my idea - got laid off during COVID. It probably has changed since we left, but can we still ask to have our names on the project?

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Ladies I need your support. I very recently got laid off due to COVID. I did not see that coming since weve been winning business, my AD and I have been part of that. To add insult to injury im on a visa. If I dont find anything, I'll leave soon... if you add my time spent as a student, ive been in this country for over 4 years. Its my home now. This job was so difficult to get to begin with, youd be surprised at how almost no one likes hiring CWs from non english speaking countries (cont)

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I’m being let go. It came as a surprise because my time with the company I’ve gotten positive feedback. A couple of weeks ago my boss told me that I was being put on a 30 day performance review plan. The last 2 weeks I’ve gotten positive feedback about improvement but on Thursday my boss decided to cut the review plan short and give me an end date. Since I’ve been there <1 year I’m getting 2 weeks severance. Is there room for severance negotiation? A friend in HR (not ad) told me I should ask.

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I'm kicking myself--I've got a number of side gigs, one in particular that I've been running since 2016. I'm not a marketing guy, so I hired a small box ad firm to run my marketing for about 1.5 years and had a -3x marketing ROI during that timeframe, just dumping money down the drain.

Fired them in the spring and started marketing it myself and have been seeing a so far scalable ~2-2.5x marketing ROI since I started experimenting with my marketing budget in June.

(Cont)

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I’ve applied to over 40 jobs since I was laid off in March. Not one click to my portfolio, per analytics. With a family of four, we are being spread thin. Not only is the income desperately needed, but my creative soul needs a release. I would be happy to do typical Art Director work but I’m “over qualified” for that and am never taken seriously when applying for work below CD/ACD. If anyone needs or know of any company needing freelance work, large or small—I’d really appreciate the lead. 🙏

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I’ve applied to over 40 jobs since I was laid off in March. Not one click to my portfolio, per analytics. With a family of four, we are being spread thin. Not only is the income desperately needed, but my creative soul needs a release. I would be happy to do typical Art Director work but I’m “over qualified” for that and am never taken seriously when applying for work below CD/ACD. If anyone needs or know of any company needing freelance work, large or small—I’d really appreciate the lead. 🙏

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Should an ad agency be able to thoroughly check my references and ask for my entire employment history (including why I left each job) before agreeing on a salary?

I’ve had 7 interviews, met every stakeholder, was initially approached by one of them, who will be my boss. Plus I’ve had great feedback after every interview.

I was laid off from my previous job because of COVID so don’t have a ton of leverage. But that shouldn’t make me powerless. The process just seems like overkill.

Thoughts?

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Should an ad agency be able to thoroughly check my references and ask for my entire employment history (including why I left each job) before agreeing on a salary?

I’ve had 7 interviews, met every stakeholder, was initially approached by one of them, who will be my boss. Plus I’ve had great feedback after every interview.

I was laid off from my previous job because of COVID so don’t have a ton of leverage. But that shouldn’t make me powerless. The process just seems like overkill.

Thoughts?

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is the pay jump from jr. to ad or senior that drastic?

Backstory. First generation college student, first in fam to have “an office job with benefits etc and pto.” Recently been seeing a lot of posts about creatives, why certain positions are more likely to get fired etc. what jumped out at me was the $$ people were giving for each position. I assumed jr’s are like 40-50k, ad 50-60k, senior 60-70k. These posts are saying it’s more like 40-50k, 60-70k and 80-90k. Is that real?

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When is it time to ask about or even start thinking about a promotion?

I have been at my current agency for 15mo and it’s my first real job. Since Covid, I feel like I have a lot more responsibilities and have been doing what I think is AD and even senior AD stuff (especially the last two months since my agency laid off a bunch of people. Our team lost an ACD and AD).

The AD role is open on our team. I’m wondering if I should ask about it or not. What can I do to show them I’m ready?

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With the W&K layoffs ...
1. Recruiters are getting psyched.
2. Freelancers are even more unnerved.
3. Axe will fall on people phoning it in at other shops.

What are your other predictions ? People leave ad game altogether?

likesmartfunny

I’m finding that a weird side effect of losing my job in this climate is ad agencies taking advantage of my weakened position. They get in touch, proactively or in response to my reaching out, and they want to hire me as they are in good shape. When I reveal I was laid off, the offer changes to freelance or maybe nothing. My work, awards, the fact that they know me and approached me in the first place should be enough. I don’t want to lie about my situation. Any ideas how to avoid this?

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Are there any more new layoffs in Toronto?
Or
Any agencies that didn’t experience layoffs?

It’d be nice to get a sense of the Toronto Ad scene at this point.

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Another one of my friends was laid off today :/ On the plus side, their company is giving them full pay & health benefits for four months & letting them keep any equipment they had. (100% not an ad agency.) I’m so bummed for them, but honestly I’m secretly low key jealous and wish I could just take a sabbatical from my agency job with that sort of severance package. I’m grateful for my job during this time, but this industry is burning me out. I can’t remember the last time I was happy.

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So basically everyone I know is getting laid off in the ad world. It’s pretty terrifying. Also infuriating that all of these people were working insane hours up until getting dumped. Seems crazy they major holding-company owned places couldn’t handle 2 months of uncertainty. Are they actually still trying to make $$ for shareholders? The top dogs getting millions?

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Was a Junior AD at an experiential agency before layoffs w/ the goal of working at a “traditional” agency. Looking for advice and feedback on how to improve/add to my book with that in mind.

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That moment when you see a liquor ad campaign that you worked on but you were just laid off

...and you happen to be currently drunk off the SAME brand. The irony of life is a true marvel.

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After layoffs and people quitting I’m just realizing that I’m going to be the most senior art person left...I’m a jr art director a year out of school now working with an ECD and a bunch of interns...

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Anyone have experience with half of a CW/AD team getting laid off?

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Were you salaried and then laid off or experienced a pay decrease? I’m feeling alone because all my Ad friends are still working full time and my salary has been reduced.

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I feel maybe this is the last thing people wanna hear rn but I just landed an ACD role at an amazing tech company after getting laid off from an awful AD agency role last fall and i’m just...😭🙏🏻

likeuplifting

Aaaaand I got laid off. I think the smaller boutique agencies are hit the hardest.

If any one is looking for an AD/ACD for help, holler!

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So I am a Junior AD that is currently employed and looking for my first job. I see that agencies at times have layoffs. Do juniors usually get let go first?

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Any Junior AD or AD spots out there I’m willing to relocate! I’ve been laid off for a month and haven’t quite landed yet. Looking for leads.

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I need help framing my story. I freelanced for several years before taking an in-house role 6 months ago as an AD (but effectively ACD) managing a team of 10. I just got laid off and...

Laid off after Thanksgiving. 54. Not done yet. Plenty to offer. In Detroit but ready and able to move anywhere. AD/CD. Hangin in there. How bout you?

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Got laid off this week—any freelance opportunities floating around for an Art Director? I’ll literally take anything at this point.

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Art Director: *gets laid off*
Art Director on LinkedIn: *updates title to Freelance Creative Director*

....no.

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LA, what's good? I know basically every agency out here had layoffs last year, so is anyone looking to hire a mid-level AD?

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Related Posts

Net worth < $1m: Fired.

$2-$5m: Resigned.

$6-10m: Exploring other opportunities.

$11-20m: Taking some time to spend with family.

$20-$99m Don’t want to create further distractions.

> $100m: Settled with regulators without admitting or denying wrongdoing.

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I got laid off in January and have been trying to find a new job since. I keep making it to the phone interview and sometimes a second interview, but always get ghosted. It’s so disheartening.

I have too much experience for an internship, and I have too little to be the top choice for copywriter roles. I know I’m a good writer, I know what I’m capable of, but it’s so exhausting trying to convince people. They always like my book but it’s never enough to get the gig. What can I do?

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This country needs labor laws that actually protect workers is when time like this comes, average folks like us don't have to worry to sick about layoffs.

likesmartfunny

Hi all. I was laid off a few months ago.I have less than one year of experience. Would I be able to get another consulting job with less than 1 year experience or only apply to analyst/consulting job?

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I have a gov law job with an offer to go to a great firm as a mid-level associate. Worried that if COVID continues, I’ll get laid off (much less likely at my gov job). Should I wait or go?

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Anyone hear rumors of post CRT layoffs at a PwC .

Anyone have any idea when the hiring freeze might end within AWS ProServ? I’m currently at Amazon and have a TS clearance, PMP & CSM. I come from a Big4 consulting firm with a background in Enterprise Performance. I’ll be honest and say I’m not feeling very safe in my current role with the ongoing layoffs. Instead of leaving, I’d love to go back to my “consulting roots” and join the ProServ team. I’m taking my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam next weekend. Hoping this freeze is lifted soon.

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Anyone else come from creative? I made the move about a year ago after being laid off (out of necessity, junior strat roles in creative were hard to come by), and have found the transition...

I am recently received an invite for a meeting with a partner and a HR person which means I am either going to be laidoff or put on a reduced schedule (60% time for 60% pay). I would rather being laidoff since I don’t want to still work 100% with 60% pay. How would I frame it if they put me on the reduced schedule? I don’t want to say “you have to fire me” since it might be counted as resignation and I won’t receive the severance package.

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So are the layoffs at Deloitte over ?

Just got out of a meeting with a client. Talk about uncomfortable- they'd fired their director that morning and he ran in screaming at the team. They ended up calling security to kick him out!

Hey everybody. Got laid off at D. BTA within strategy and analytics. Mostly LS/HC experience. Anybody can help out with a referral anywhere? Thank you!

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Does a severance usually come with a lack of work letter? (Big4)

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Hi Ladies,

I was impacted by the COVID-19 layoffs a few weeks ago and let go from my job at Deloitte. I have 2 years experience as an IT Auditor with the big 4 and I am in search of a new job. I’m currently residing in Atlanta

Any recommendations on where to apply would be greatly appreciated.

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Anyone here familiar with the hiring process of KPMG consulting in Van? Had a partner interview on Nov 21, thought the feedback was positive but haven't heard back yet (no rejection/offer). Is it something normal or the interview just didn't go as well as I thought?

It's an experienced hire for an SC role. I saw the posting is still open atm, and my guess is that the recruiting team is comparing candidates since competition is higher due to recent layoffs.

Thanks in advance!

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Lots of talk about inflation, layoffs, hiring freezes, pay cuts, and stressful job shifts lately. Does anyone have any advice or encouragement to share for those who have been impacted or fear that they will be soon?

Did BCW NY just layoff it’s EA staff?! Seeing a bunch of these names on Connect and very upset that great people were let go!

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I was laid off from Deloitte in the 18th. I have an interview with Amazon for a Senior Program Managers Non Technical position with Amazon hiring manager on Monday. Any advice would be much appreciated. I would love to get into Amazon. I hear their interview process is brutal.

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Additional Posts

Happy Friday! I am joining new - financial company on contract to hire but now seeing more full time jobs where I think I could be good fit in. Shall I apply or appear in interview and leave a job in a months time. I don’t want to do this as it definitely will burn the bridges.

Anyone seem to have more trouble recently getting food deliveries? Is the pandemic causing a shortage in delivery drivers? Not just Uber Eats, but DoorDash, and even company specific ones.

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I am trying to switch from consulting to FS industry. Not seeing many openings in banks for junior levels. Why is this? Dont banks post open positions publicly? Are positions filled strictly based on recommendations ?

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Looking for Pega LBA
If anybody is looking out for a referral for Pega in Larsen and Toubro infotech .
Please send the details to me
Full name
Gender
Date of birth
Email
Years of experience
Phone number

New job original start date end of june. Pre screens completed timely but slow results. I followed up last week and also said start date move to july 11th because I need all clear to resign. Finally get all clear today and I want to push the new start date back another week but the recruiter says I should stick to the 11th. I really need the time to recharge but I am super excited about the new role. What would you do?

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Anyone received an offer from BT recently, been waiting for a while after confirmation of an offer. British Telecom BT

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The severance package at Meta for laid off employees almost makes it nice to be laid off depending on what your personal situation is….. personally wouldn’t mind getting 4+ months of full pay to reset and think about what’s next 😬

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Technology reimbursement - who gets it and what are your buying with it this year?

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EY GDS or Mindtree ?

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Do FAANG recruiters give chance to domain switchers? Eg account management to product management or product marketing if I invest in a suitable crash course to indicate interest and passion?

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What does your school or district do to support staff wellness?

helpful

How many holidays do you usually get working in Singapore? In my current job in Europe I have 27 days!
Also, is there an overwork culture? Do management expect people to work more hours than the stipulated?

Thank you for your help!

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Here comes a million years of shame but to this day, I have no idea what the Cadbury Gorilla film is about or what it means.

likefunny

C&F question: any attorneys here with a DUI conviction on your record? If so, did you have any issues clearing Character & Fitness in a new jurisdiction?

DUI occurred nearly two years ago as a senior associate in state X with no corresponding discipline in state X; however, now trying to get admitted into state Y...

Obviously, this is an extremely regrettable event, and will make that clear to C&F, along with post-DUI progress.

Curious if anyone else here went through something similar.

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Anyone transitioned from big4 firm (consulting) to PE? Please share experiences. Looking to make that transition

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How insane is it to work two remote full time jobs? Inflation may is kill me

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Early Xmas present to myself!

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Is it better to choose Nutanix over VMware, if Nutanix is compensating way more?

Wet and stormy day. Threw my GMT on a jubilee.

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