I want honesty: Is working in NYC absolutely brutal? Super long hours, weekend work, shit pay? I’m looking to relocate but want some context before I dive in.

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It depends on the agency and the account you work on. Junior salaries are shit overall but that’s what roommates are for. Living in NY is tough for sure but not impossible. It’s a lot of fun but definitely you’ll have to compromise in a lot of ways.

Work isn’t as brutal as just plain living here. The commute, the sheer amount of people anywhere you go, the noise, the pollution, tbe cramped spaces... It’s definitely tough but you get used to it.

likesmart

I worked there for 15 years. Hours suck, I usually worked between 10-15 hours a day. The money was a decent salary, but when you figure in all the extra overtime how under paid you are. You title and agency also will reflect on how much you get paid, but you can get paid very well there. Unfortunately many agencies are in that mindset of employees working insane hours on pitches, last minute redesigns and deliverable materials.

Honestly, you’ll never get the experience and knowledge anywhere else, as you will in NYC. I live in Seattle these days, I work normal hours, no overtime ever and run circles around pretty much everyone out here that I deal with and I’m pretty much boated, of not being challenged. If you want to be challenged and work on some cool stuff, move to NYC.

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I'm thinking about a move to Seattle maybe next year, any agency reccos out there? What do you think about Wongdoody?

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living in New York is like being in love with someone who beats you.

likefunny

And that person doesn’t shower and chain smokes.

funny

Agree with a lot of Director 1. Nyc is amazing when you’re young, single, don’t care about sharing with roommates, and getting your career together. Made awesome friends and loved it. But it’s hell financially and you won’t save or buy a house or anything. You basically live to work and play really hard. Competition is hard so if you have anything but thick skin, think that through. Dating sucks, def a bigger better deal mentality. But once you’ve got nyc and some agencies in your book, you’re better off.
I live in Austin now (after 8 years in nyc, got married, have a kid and dog and house and all that shit) and I’d never go back to the grueling pace again. But like Director 1 said, my work ethic and pace has me promoted over colleague fast here

likesmart

It’s ok once you’re making more than 100k and not living in Manhattan. I’m only 20 min away to work door-to-door and I still hate the subway. The heat, the smells, and bums. And the “cool” bars and restaurants get old, as does brunch, park days, and every other NY thing. Eventually it just becomes a place you live that’s whatever.

likesmart

Did my first 10 in NYC, then 8 in SF & the Midwest, and just returned to New York over the winter (family stuff) nothing has changed!

Still typical 10am to 7pm in office and then at least 2 hour-ish at home (either at night or early AM). It's relentless. At 30 & just married - part of the game.
at 40 w/ kids - it's Abit too much. I miss the easier life and hours (doing similar or better work). NYC is a great place to start, tough one later. I think I did it wrong!

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I have a few friends in the city who are relatively junior and make pretty bad salaries, so their parents help them with rent. Unfortunately that’s just not a reality for me so I’m wondering if I’ll in be over my head without help???

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I f*cking love it here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. 🤷🏽‍♀️

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I understand. I’m born & raised, it just sometimes wears you down!

Depends on the agency for sure

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere. If you’re young. Single. And free. Just go. Life’s an adventure. Go on it.

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