I just moved from agency to in-house, and I’m not sure I made the right choice. The hours are better, but I miss the pace, the culture, the chaos (never thought I’d say that). I feel like I traded creative energy for brand politics. Anyone else make the switch? Was it worth it long-term?

I switched two years ago and felt exactly the same as you did. I had what I can only describe as “detox” period. I still miss the energy of advertising but now that I’m on the other side, the pros of being in-house vastly outweigh the cons. The work/life balance and the money have improved my overall well-being so much that I legit have nightmares about going back agency-side.

I’m still making work I’m proud of and have proactively found the creative opportunities within the company to keep my engine running.

Yes, from toxic to normal or WLB. It’s like breaking up with a toxic boyfriend. Healthy sometimes feels boring. How does your after work look? With my balanced schedule. I got back into Pilates & ballet 🩰. Started a fashion blog. I’ve been client side 5 years. I’ll never go back to an agency or dysfunction. You have to know yourself. Good luck 🍀

I’m in the EXACT same boat. There’s too much CEO-pleasing and close to zero creative freedom. I’ve only been in this new role for 4 months, and I’m already looking for an agency gig.

Not having that creative energy is bad for my own mental health, I fear. I’ll be making my way out sooner than later.

Been there! It was worth it for the work/life balance but the quality of work suffers when you report to a CMO instead of a CCO.

I am literally in the same exact same place too. I feel like a privileged snob when I complain about it because everyone in the agency side are telling me how good my life is to actually have a life. I might have more time in my hands but I am doing okay work… or like just work… I miss the crazy, the chaos, the challenges… even the days that I feel like I am a bad creative cuz my CD didn’t like my idea… but you know I keep pushing myself because of those days. I loved learning from the bests in the industry and meeting diverse types of creatives.

You can never get that in-house. You will only meet the best for them tbh… not in the industry.

Call me toxic but I am 100% going back to the rat race. I am leaving by the end of the year and will just pursue freelance. I can’t stay in-house anymore.

Just 5 months in and I am completely miserable…
I really tried to love it, I really really did…
I kept saying that the extra time is nice, the mindless work I guess is nice, the extra money is nice… but I can’t. I feel like my soul is decaying…

If you have life ambitions and are really passionate idk… I suggest you leave and maybe go in-house when you are finally aged out of the industry or something.

But if you still have that hunger and drive in you, in-house is not it.

It might not be as exciting but appreciate the stability. In the midst of the red wedding that happened last Monday, I’d take stable in a heartbeat.

Been freelancing brand side for 3 years and I pray I never have to go back to agency side. Worst years of my life.

I went in-house and missed agency life every day. Turns out, I really missed “my people.” The crazy, creative, fun, exhausting agency world is something I just can’t quit. I lasted 7 years. Came back and I’m so happy I did.

Someone want to throw me an in-house gig they don’t want anymore? I’m at FCB and you know the story.