Is client side really the promised land for burned out creatives?? I’m so tired of this and may have an opportunity to jump over to that side.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

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.

likesmart

This is so accurate^ speaking from experience. Also, actually getting a bonus is pretty sweet.

like

No. It’s easy money, but you’re not going to make anything for your book or really do anything to further your career.

like

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.

likesmart

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.

Related Posts

Just registered for WAATBP end of this month and am looking forward to it!

like

Hi sharks,

18LPA CTC in India equivalent to how much in US considering all factors??

if you are interested to apply for below positions, please DM

Post Photo
likeuplifting

1 thing that has resonated with me on this App throughout Covid, is that the beliefs I held about my consulting colleagues were completely & totally wrong. A variety of the discussions, particularly those re: the political environment in the US & the widespread movement to pursue equality, have demonstrated that many of my peers are sociopaths incapable of exercising the same objective & critical thinking skills they they apply when charging clients hundreds hundreds of dollar an hour.

We’re 🍞

likefunnysmart

Has anyone taken the CIPP/US exam online/remotely? Also how many times did y’all reschedule before actually taking it…I felt like I kept putting the registration off, so I finally scheduled it for this weekend—that won’t be happening.

like

98 almost 99k base salary in San Diego, CA not including the bonuses or OT… is this too low or reasonable?

like

Wish I listened to my roommate on Blue Apron. Up 115%

like

What are some great paying fields/position that are lesser known in the world of finance and are not crazy hard to lateral into? With around a year of experience in asset management/operations, I always try to think about what my career path will be and so far it has been ever changing.

like

For any Alvarez and Marsal fish, how has your work life balance been? Very interested in hearing from those in their healthcare industry group, but anyone is welcome to respond.

like

Anyone in Big 4 health (payer) consulting practices have any insight in to current or upcoming openings for SM level roles?

like

Anyone started going to eygds Kolkata office? Are they giving cabs ?

like

Hi Fishes & Sharks,

What will be the in-hand salary? Please guide.

Post Photo
like

Hi team

I need you suggestions on
IQVIA or CAPJEMINI.

Skill : Manual ,API , ETL .
Yrs : 6+ yrs
Iqvia offered 1 lakh more than CAPJEMINI.

Need your help on this .

like

How can one overcome anxiety when presenting?

like

My boss was telling me during SARS time ppl were racist towards Asians, didn’t believe her until today I got cut off on the street and a guy stared me down. Sign.

like

How to get experience letter in Virtusa after resignation?

Hello, I am new here! My contract is ending with Microsoft as a recruiter and I am looking for new opportunities, I am based in Canada and authorised to work. Do you have any openings in Canada where you could refer me?Microsoft PwC Amazon EY Tesla Apple Scotiabank RBC TD

like

Hello Fishes!

How is Blackstone CoE to work for? Any perks?
All your replies are anticipated. I see no one has discussed Blackstone.
Please help me know a little.

like

Joined Deloitte india in management consulting in Oct. On bench since 6 months.
Does Deloitte lay off if bench period is extended??

like

Additional Posts in Creatives

How is it working in house at Nike?

like

Is the average freelance rate in a pandemic same/higher or lower? Wondering what I should charge in nyc right now. Pls lmk, thanks!

like

Did you ever lose all hope in finding happiness in this career but then did something pivotal that helped you achieve it?

What did you do?

I’m spent.

like

Hi Creatives! What tool does your Resources Management team use? Also, what software are you using for creative workflow? Also include if you like it or if you have any favorites. Thanks in advance.

How do agencies decide how much to bill clients? How much is their retention usually?

Anyone wanna give me constructive criticism on my portfolio? 😪

Who’s the best sound designer in NY

Just found out I’m getting laid off in two weeks. How do I stay motivated to do work until then?

like

Which one would you pick?

Big name shop. Shitty account, but you get opportunities beyond that.

Shop with bad reputation that lacks PR and hardly enters awards but has a lot of book-worthy projects.

like

Offered 8 grand less than interns who were hired on last year...need negotiation advice!
Is it appropriate to bring up that I know the salary amount that was offered there in previous years?

like

Just became an ACD. Im in a limbo. Half of the time im being treated as a Super Senior AD and the other half im being treated as a Almost CD. Then when im scoped over work that my CD and I oversee, some people are asking me how does my role differ from the CD’s, as they tend to look at me as an unnecessary layer for approvals. In a way, i do the job so well that i get asked to do more AD projs and guide more projs — but then: wtf does my CD do? They mostly just 👍🏻what i direct n approve

likehelpful

Which is the right move for a young creative: free ride to portfolio school, or take a full time junior position where you’ve been interning?

Looking to move to New York - does anyone know which agencies are hiring these days?

like

Has any creative here ever tried to make the leap to leave advertising and be a film maker, photographer, illustrator, etc.?? I’m so tired of ad agencies and how draining the “creative” can be. Happiness is more important than a nice paycheck for me. Any inspiration success stories advice would be so helpful right now...

likefunny

Did Peloton really un-ironically put “Man’s Not Hot” in a commercial in the year 2022?

like

When you know where you want to work, who do you reach out to first — the hr/talent/recruiter or directly to the CD or ECD depending on level? Or both?

like

I am on 5 projects right now all due within the next week-3 weeks. I feel like I’m drowning and might quit if I reach a breaking point, what should I do? Only work on the projects worth a shit? Blow off first round check ins to work on stuff that’s due?

like

How do you feel about work coming out of NYC vs Chicago? Is Chicago regarded as a lower tier market for creatives?

can a writer explain the new season of Dave to me?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal