How soon is too soon to leave?

I started my first real gig in advertising as a junior at a small agency about six months ago. However, after settling in, I’m realizing the account they have me primarily working is not interested in making good work, and prob not anytime in the near future.

I’m being interviewed for a mid-level position at a bigger, better agency, but don’t want to cut bait unless it’s the right move.

What should I do??

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Chase the opportunity. If you don’t might be stuck there for a while.

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Chase the new opportunity but know that most accounts probably don't want to do interesting work. That's just how it is these days. To do cool stuff you really have to push for it or find opportunities where you can.

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Promotion and raise at a better shop? Do it!

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Jump and leave on good terms. You're young, the market is hot, and while they may be irritated they need to fill the vacancy, I doubt anyone holds it against you. Take the promotion and the raise, but be ready to start back at the bottom at a new agency on a potentially worse account (because you never really know what you're in for until you're in it).

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You have options:

A) Make the work better. Set them apart from the competition. It is hard but it has been done. Look at Geico. They made boring insurance exciting.

B) Pay your dues but try to get on another team. Proactively offer to assist teams you want to work on. If you can prove your worth the other team may fight to retain you. Be diplomatic in your approach.

C) Find a new gig at a shop you want to be at. You may still have to work your way to the desirable accounts.

You do have options. You are young and likely have to prove yourself no matter where you land. Be patient but stay focused and aware of opportunity.

likehelpful

I left my first agency after 5 months (that was also very small). I jumped ships due to a toxic work environment and bad work. Now I’m at a way bigger and better agency, love the work, get paid significantly more, and got a higher title. Do it. I don’t regret it. A short stint won’t hurt you. Just don’t make a habit out of it.

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Did it in 2.5 months. Do what’s best for you. Always.

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Go for the new gig. A raise + a shot at doing creative work trumps being stuck at an agency you don't like working for

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I left my first full time ad gig after nine months. Then I left my second FT ad gig after five months.

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Good question. Probably Friday.

funny

You’re taking a mid level role with 6 months experience? You’re going to get fired. I’m sure you are super-talented but you need to learn some things

funny

Lol, it took me second to realize you were being facetious. I had a friend (not in advertising) tell me those exact words, except they were being serious.

i agree w/ everyone in the comments; just wanted to give you more data: i left my “first real gig in advertising” 5 months in (earlier this year, actually)! got a title bump from jr to mid and a ~20% salary increase too. so glad i did. i think that other agency you’re interviewing with now will be thrilled to hear you’re taking initiative and proactively seeking the kind of work you really want to do :) good luck!

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A few things.

1. A short stay this early won't matter so go for the better opportunity. Tell the new place you weren't really looking but by golly you love their culture and it's dream of an opportunity.
2. You will find a great many clients have no interest in making "good" work. Your CD should though and that's a battle they should fight.
3. Sometimes you will lose that battle and it sucks.
4. Always take the interview, you may not get an offer or even a second interview so don't worry about cutting bait until it's more concrete. Not worth stressing yourself out!
5. Good luck!

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I don’t think anyone would think less of you for taking a job with a promotion, name recognition, and a pay bump. If anything, it shows you’re growing and showing promise :)

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Go for it. If anyone asks, you were given an opportunity you could not walk away from. You don’t owe your current agency anything.

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Leave as soon as it makes sense.

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Be honest… you found a better opportunity that aligns with what you want to do. You got sold on something that never happened. Happens all the time.

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Leave and list the other place as “freelance” on ur resume if you’re concerned about your “short” stay at the old agency.

Not a good move. It comes out in the background check.

likesmart

There not a single team that doesn’t have an interest in producing good work. You may have different challenge in your current role but no one gets out of bed in our industry with the ambition to deliver mediocre work

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