How bad are the working hours at London’s top agencies (Uncommon, Mother, WK etc) in this pandemic? I’ve heard stories of people with complete Zoom burnout.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I've done stints at Mother and W+K pre-pandemic. W+K was particularly brutal. Had a few 110 hour weeks on big pitches and 50-60 hours in normal times. Mother was intense too but not quite that bad. No idea what they're like now.

helpful

Hate to break it to you, but good ideas take time.

There seems to be a general consensus, especially among young creatives, that just being at one of these mentioned agencies means you’ll make good work.No. You have to put in the hours.

Also, I’d kill to be a creative with zoom checkins every other day...I could actually concentrate on thinking. So much whining and complaining nowadays.

smart

wow thank you, I have so much more to ask about this. I’m getting two half hours a day to think. Did you find certain agencies (or people) were notorious for breeding over-work culture? I’m gearing up for a change and want to avoid the hardcore, 65 week, weekend places. I’m a mum. I’m 39. I’m done with it!

Adam & Never Leave

like

Hi 👋

😢😢😢 I had to work on a Saturday... weaklings!

Uncommon? 😂😂😂

Hi, I work at a&e. All of our people are crazy smart and crazy nice. Sure, it’s not for everybody. A lot of people do leave within their first year because it is intense, I will admit that. I think management has way more to do in ensuring that we slow down just a little bit in order for people to not burn out, especially during the pandemic. When one department is overworked, it has a ripple effect on every single department. For years we pride ourselves on being organised chaos and I will say at the moment it’s just too chaotic, too fast, too many meetings and not enough breaks in the day, and not enough saying no. Proper things need to be put in place now to adapt HOW we work for flexible working. I think a lot of people in my department and planning are close to burn out but don’t dare admit it.
BUT - a&e is also great. Nowhere else I’ve worked has the right chemistry: effective, high budgets, incredible people to learn from. I’m going to stick it out. I wouldn’t if there was even one whiff of an ego. They seem to hire both the best and the kindest people.

helpfullike

I know WK put in rules to no longer be referred to as “Weekend and Kennedy.” No idea if anyone has stuck to those guidelines.

SD1, you are bang on. Unfortunately you are in a minority. Too often it’s left to the creatives to find an insight, or rewrite the brief to then be post-rationalised by the planners. I can’t remember the last time I was genuinely excited by a brief. Not the brand or opportunity, the actual brief. Most times I feel as though the client might as well just brief the creatives directly, rather than planners taking weeks to ‘nail’ it and then present a brief as insightful as “People like to have fun” or “This tastes good”.

And to your other point, knowing when to get out of the way is a real skill that most don’t have, nor I suspect, want to acquire.

Related Posts

Genuine question: why does EY forensics pay so much less (25-35%) than everyone else? At least for associate - manager? And knowing that, why do people stay? Does EY have significantly better culture or work-life-balance than other firms or something?

like

I have a dear friend whose mother just passed from diabetes. She was on government assistance. Didn’t own a home. Had upwards of 60k in medical bills. Yesterday alone he received 7k in new bills

How many of you had a first transfer success? Curious to hear what issues prevent it from happening

like
like

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Is anyone aware of NatWest account? Are there onsite opportunities ? WLB ? Larsen & Toubro Infotech Wipro Tech Mahindra Tata Consultancy

like

How do firms calculate how much parental leave to provide, either paid or unpaid. Or do they just pick a number, like “yeah they can get to know their kid in a few weeks and I couldn’t possibly have that attorney out for 12 weeks?” I’m at a small firm, no FMLA or state requirement. We get four weeks paid and four weeks unpaid. Would like to push for more but not sure how to argue costs side of it.

like

Are forums dying out? Are they still worth developing for a new community, or would you go straight to Discord/Slack?

like

Hi Sharks, HCl 26 lpa 24 fixed Capgemini 24 lpa fixed 3 lpa joining bonus Need to join next week, please suggest need wlb and job security . Capgemini HCL Technologies

Yoe 4 stack node developer

like

For couples who are not married yet - Do you guys talk about net worth, income, or anything even finance related? I know my SO earns more given his current industry, but thinks it’s rude to talk about those things. But I’m wondering… isn’t it normal for couples who live together or are married share those info? For example - How am I going to know what to pay for our child’s education in the future etc?

likefunny

Does anyone know if we can reimburse expenses for items listed in Wageworks while on maternity?

I know we cannot expense phone/internet/ commuter benefit as I am not actively doing work.

However, for other items that fall under wage works reimbursement, I couldn’t find anything in writing yet.

How much hike a company can provide to a candidate who is switching job just after 3 months from one big4 to another. Major reason for change is work life balance.

like

Hello Fishes, i will be joining Salesforce as Datorama Support Engineer. Can anyone tell me about the wlb (rotational shifts) and growth and learning opportunities?Salesforce

like

Recently joined PwC and very overwhelmed with the constant overwork and late night working. I didn't expect this to be a norm in EU. Anyone else has faced this?

like

Happy Wednesday! I am trying to plan with our AP and climate lead on what we can do in distance learning as a school wide event. I suggested we still host our multicultural club assemblies on zoom for the school. Anyone have experience with zoom assemblies to promote a positive climate in DL? Thanks!

like

Whats something that you did as a child through teenage years that you now don't do as an adult?

Example- I used to crumple, but now I fold

likesmart

Looking for advice. I have a few offers in negotiations for Senior IT audit role. My main motive is to get out of toxic work culture in B4 consulting and public accounting. Looking for better wlb, better work culture and decent compensation to make good living. Currently in TX making around 110K TC.

1. Children’s Place: Base-110K . Probable bonus of 3-5%. No relocation assistance or sign on bonus. Based in NJ. Location is closer to all my friends and family
(Continued)

like

Currently exploring an opportunity to join RSM transaction advisory, any insights into culture, WLB, comp progression?

like

Mastercard vs Brillio..which one to go for..my concerns are job security, wlb, work culture.

Anyone willing to share what WLB looks like at some of the large CROs?

like

More Posts

When you’re waiting for the offer letter but HR is not providing any estimated date.

Post Photo
funnylike

Dassault vs IQVIA.
which one is good.

like

Anyone in D.C. with kids-- I'm looking to buy a house and wondered if anyone had thoughts on Peabody/Watkins elementary?

like

Can we refer someone in Optum if they are unknown to us and reach out to us on linked in ?
Mostly are freshers who are reaching.
Also is there any limit for number of referrals which we can make

like

Any info on how UK or Europe comp for google compares to US. Particularly interested in L4-7 biz ops and product manager

like

If you're a government HR strategy, I/O psych, talent management, organizational design/development professional or consultant, we need you!

Have you heard of OPM's team of strategic HR consultants? Within OPM Human Resources Solutions' HR strategy, there are strategic consultants who operate on a reimbursable basis, similar to a private sector consulting agency.

We have current, developing, and future vacancies for human capital strategists and consultants at the GS-12/13/14/15 levels!

like

What does the branch transfer process look like for UBS? I'm wanting to transfer from my current office to one closer to home.

When's the last time you've left the office at a reasonable time -- say by 6 PM ?

like

Anyone from Montreal QC area? Looking to connect with a new real estate banner

Hi! I started at a new company 2 months ago and while I’m really enjoying my job so far, I’m having a hard time gauging whether or not I’m doing a “good job.” My role seems to be always evolving, which is fine and I actually enjoy being a support to the greater marketing team, but I feel like I need better defined targets to make sure I’m meeting expectations. Also, when I ask my boss what they’d like to see, I don’t ever get a clear answer. (Cont’d in comments)

like

Which consulting firm is involved in these Ontario government decisions 🙄

likefunny

How do you appease the client when they call and ask when their tax returns are done and they want them done now but they are further down the queue of returns because they submitted their PBCs later than other clients who submitted their source docs on time?

like

Is it normal for a firm to require you to complete a conflicts check/questionnaire BEFORE they provide you an offer?

like

Any vacancy for power bi or tableau
Exp 3.10 years

like

Any one familiar with Ocala FL. Does it flood? Would you send your children to the public schools? Is it a good place to live and raise a family?

like

Thinking of exiting into Banking / Payments space from USI S&O. Anyone has any leads into places recruiting actively?

like

I am sick of seeing these SPG Marriott posts!! Can we talk about something else for a change?

likeuplifting

Some good advice from my sponsor as I go into this stressful week:

- Invite your Higher Power into the meetings with you
- Be your authentic self
- Be there to help others

likehelpful

Which companies does Salesforce’s consider as it’s true competitors?

like

What’s a gift AEs enjoy? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Additional Posts in Londoners in Advertising

Anyone found the silver / bronze winners for Creative Circle yet?

like

What’s VCCP’s reputation? Would it be considered a top creative shop?

like

Looks like many agencies are starting to return to the office. For those who have gone back, has it been a mandatory return? And how are you feeling about it?

like

How's Major Players for recruitment in a strategy role? First time to look into UK-based roles, so I don't really know who's a good recruitment firm

like

I’m new to the country. This is a bit out there but where do you get an abortion? Do you need a referral through your GP? After that is there a long wait?

like

Any ideas on freelance rates in London? Strategy Director level.

What’s Opus London like?

like

Canadian copywriter looking to hop across the pond next year on T5/Youth Mobility Visa. What should I know in advance?

like

More than a year since I made anything folio worthy. I have produced stuff, stuff that was very close to being good just before it was dramatically worsen by suits, clueless leadership and the production agency. I'm losing interest very quickly, and I don't want to

like

Hi! I am looking to hire 1 x Senior AD/GAD and 2 x Senior AM. DM if you are that person - or know someone who is! Thanks

like

Freelancers: what umbrella companies do you recommend? Had a bad experience w/ Parasol & looking for alternatives (avoiding the LTD/sole trader route as I can’t be bothered w/ invoicing/accounting).

I’d like to get off this island now.

Post Photo
like

Is it standard or common for ad agencies to cover egg freezing and/or IVF? It’s a common perk in the US

like

I just turned the heating on. Wtaf. 🥶

like

Hey Londoners! I’m about to move to London and hunting for a place to live (on a mid-level salary).
Could you please share how much rent do you currently pay and where do you live (area/no. of rooms)?

I was hoping to live alone but everything seems over the top expensive

like

So, who wants to vouch for me to Soho House?

like

Anyone know of a sort of speeddating site for London creatives looking for a partner? Kinda sick of seeing most job alerts going up as "looking for creative team".

like

Londoners what is your agency pregnancy leave policy? At ours the current procedure for women is: less than 3 years of employment 6 weeks full pay and 12 weeks 50%. 3+ years you get 12 weeks full and

Any input on a Design Director salary at a good sized shop? Need a base range.

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal