Hey everyone, I’d love your thoughts. I’m at one of the big 5 agencies but just got an offer from a smaller agency. The team there seems close-knit, which is appealing.
My current team recently underwent a big restructuring, and honestly, it’s felt pretty lonely. Benefits here, on the other hand, are decent, so I’m torn.
If you’ve worked at both big and small agencies, I’d really appreciate your inputs, especially on work-life balance. The offer deadline is tomorrow. Thanks!

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I’ve worked in both, and the only reason I haven’t gone back to a smaller one is because none are hiring in my area.

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The thinking USED to be that big agencies are insulated from client losses and are slower to layoff than small agencies. Those days are gone though thanks to holding company greed.

Big agencies will lay off an entire team if so much as the wind blows to ensure shareholder profit and C-suite EOY bonuses.

I’ve found though that smaller agencies at least TRY not to lay off.

Regardless, no agency is safe so go where you’ll be happiest.

Congrats on the offers.

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You left out the most important part: which would pay you more?

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Don’t switch for just 1 or 2k ! Wait to get promoted or keep looking ! If you except the role you are stuck with that salary for another year or two

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I preferred working smaller for the opportunity to feel more hands-on with the work, like I really owned it from start to finish. Less competitive and really knew my coworkers. Work was kinda boring.
I prefer larger for the creative support — I don’t have to do it all myself. And the benefits and pay are way better. WLB is harder to come by because the work is a bit more high stakes.

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The small agencies I worked at had legacy retainers that kept the lights on. We weren’t incentivized
to think outside the box or push the limits of the brands. Just maintenance: organic content, seasonal campaigns.

How are you all? Wish you good luck

Architect Reza

I've done this for thirty years. There is no "big 5" and smaller is subjective. You need time outside of the bubble if you believe anything different.

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