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People ask this question all the time. And like most other big choices, the answer is different for everyone. It’s like asking “Are agencies good places to work?” Some are great. Some are horrible. Most are somewhere in the middle, but it all depends on what you’re looking for and the specific client-side shop you’re evaluating. Most generally offer a better work-life balance (but not all) and most have less variability in the work you’ll produce. But having done the agency thing for a long time and the client-side internal agency thing for a long time, I can say there are exceptions to everything. I have made more good work client side than I ever had the opportunity to agency-side. And almost my entire team now is ex-agency folks (of all ages and experiences), most of whom say the same thing. I’m lucky in that I found a place that values what I do, and that’s the advice I would give. Forget about “Should I go client side?” And ask “What do I want to make, how do I want to live, and in what balance of the two.” That will generally lead you to where you want to go.
Enthusiast
This is so accurate^ speaking from experience. Also, actually getting a bonus is pretty sweet.
No. It’s easy money, but you’re not going to make anything for your book or really do anything to further your career.
Coach
If they actually let you do your job and use your expertise, sure. But usually they treat you like an order taker and you have to do exactly what they want.
You also lose the outside perspective. You need the CEO and CMO to be all in on making really good advertising, AND you need them to trust the creatives they bring on. That’s rare to find.
You mean like in house? Sorry, but no. I have spent my entire career in house at three different companies and was the only creative producer at all of them. What started as producing ads and writing copy quickly turned into being the only person responsible for literally anything we put out. I was promised a marketing coordinator and never got one. Press releases, trade show materials, setting up our training modules, recording our podcast and editing it, making all of print and digital ads, blogs, creating product descriptions, writing our leadership biographies, all social media management, all branding, everything. Everything. I had absolutely no help whatsoever. It gave me the worst burnout I have ever experienced in my life.
I know not everywhere may be like that, but prepare yourself for the possibility.
Dude, yes. If all you’ve ever known is agency side, you’re burnt out, and a client side role comes along, take it.
A. It’s not nearly as permanent as some people think. I’ve jumped from agency to client, then back to agency, then back to client. Your options will remain more open than you think.
B. Client side is full of marketers, not agency people. A lot of people who think their workplace is “crazy” and timelines are “super hectic,” but then you start working there and you’ll see it’s kindergarten compared to your agency experience.
People go home at the end of the day. Everything isn’t a constant fire to put out. It’s just, like, a *normal fucking job.*
Caveat, though: it can definitely get boring. But boring is better than burnout.
Also, with the turbulence our industry is currently going through, having a variety of different kinds of experiences on your resume will probably help you adapt to whatever comes next.
Nooooo. Do you like lickin' boots? Start a fresh biz, pick your gigs.