I'm currently at a high-profile, award-winning agency but found out I’m severely underpaid and ready to leave.

I've received interest from agencies that aren't yet award-winning but trying to get there and are offering significantly higher salaries. Would it hurt my career trajectory if I don’t move to another top agency? I plan to return to a leading agency eventually; I just want to reduce stress and improve my finances for now.

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I made the same move. So far I have little regret other than the lower-bar/less creative work. Everything else has been spectacular (pay, life balance, etc.).

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Ah gotcha. Was gonna say if you think that agency is a low bar then wait until you see what else is out there!

funnylike

What is your trajectory? I'll give you an "old" (15+ years in the biz) take, but it's only one perspective.

If you're looking to be CCO at a top agency ( including holding companies, yes they still are some of the top places to work), then awards are your currency. Famous work, work the industry is jealous of, etc. That is important IF that's the career you're going for. It may not pay great right now but it can pay dividends later. And you're gonna need to start managing people at a certain point.

There are CCOs who don't have great portfolios, but it's more of a sure bet if you do.

But if you aren't concerned with C-suite (which has average tenures of 1-2 years and a host of unfair expectations, but sick pay), then you don't need to be concerned with being amazing right now. Money matters, when I finally got to a good salary level, my life changed. It makes a big difference.

And, they aren't mutually exclusive. But if you're deciding between both, think about your true end goal.

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Thank you for the comprehensive take! 🙏 My goal is to one day become a CD but not sure about CCO. I currently have some awards under my belt but I think my fear is moving somewhere for a year or two and not collecting awards. Then trying to get back into an award winning agency won’t be possible.

Moving to any agency would be a really good pay increase. Making a lateral move to another top agency would be around 25-35% increase while lesser successful agency could be 50-70% increase. Based on conversations I’ve already been having.

likesmart

Managing a creative career is so tough but you’re in a pretty good spot to be choosing between money or fame. Strategically I guess there is no crystal ball. Personally I would go with your values. I would go for the money because none of this matters when we die.

likesmart

DON’T DO IT. I repeat: do. not. do. it.

For context, I’m a senior. I have big awards and experience at top agencies.

I was on a certain trajectory and then quit for a role at an unknown agency with better work/life balance. I deeply regret it.

As shallow and egotistical as this might seem, here are some of the worst parts:

1) Lack of growth/learning. When the bar is low, there’s no pressure to be better or learn new skills.
2) Feeling your creative brain atrophy and love of advertising completely dissipate by doing work that’s below your skill level.
3) Portfolio stagnation.
4) Watching your peers (even those who are not as good as you) get industry acknowledgement and title promotions before you.
5) Getting ghosted by agencies/recruiters who once practically stalked you.

Yes, realize this sounds awful. I’m just being honest.

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Thanks for sharing this! Definitely hit some of the things I’ve been thinking about. This role would be my first sr level role and I do worry about what the mentorship at this new place would be since their creative team/leadership is a bit small and not well awarded.

Did the new agency want you to help them win awards and elevate their profile? Also how long have you been at the new agency?

Go for the money in this case. you’ll learn something new from that agency/experience and grow in the process, even if it isn’t from creating award winning work.

that’ll still be helpful for when you want to go back and get paid your worth… and you’ll have a nice savings to match.

smart

I do lean this way, and I feel like I would only want to go for a year or two to help get my finances in order.

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