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In my experience, layoffs have more to do with money, than skill. You could be the most talented mofo they have, but if there isn’t an account to pay your salary, then it doesn’t matter for shit.
When you’re feeling down or uncertain, just remember: you get paid a crazy amount of money (compared to almost any other career) to be creative every day. That constant guillotine over your head is the trade off. And I’d say it’s worth it.
You’re absolutely right, I would rather be doing what I’m doing than any other job. Furthermore, I’d rather be at an agency where I have an opportunity to do great work, with a potential lack of stability, than be bored but have a stable job at a different agency.
Been there done that! And all I can suggest is to channel that uncertainty into momentum to land your next gig. Make peace with it. Know that there are so many others in your shoes. Opportunities will be and are out there. The hardest lesson I learned is that no matter how hard you work and how much you bring to the table, companies do not care about you. But, your coworkers and friends and family do. Use them as a resource and support and get back on your feet. You got this and please don’t lose faith!
Unfortunately it’s tough not to take these things personally. You can rationalize it all you want but ultimately it’s a shit industry. I’ve been laid off and despite knowing the ins and outs of my teams budgetary deficit, was on antidepressants after a few weeks. It sucks, but this way you can fast track yourself to a promotion the agency wasn’t going to give you for 2-3 years. Reinvent yourself. You’re wiser now. In the meantime, live your life, see some weird movies in the middle of the day, visit museums and happy hours, see the sun set....and most of all remember this industry is a means to a paycheck that’s meant to pay for you to do all the beautiful things you’ve been skipping because you’re holed up doing banners for toilet paper.
This is my first year in the industry I moved my family for what I thought was an opportunity of a life time. Fast forward 4 months where we find out everyone in the agency would be let go the end of the year! I know what you mean, once the layoff happens it isn’t easy to find something else. I love the work and want to continue! Keep pushing ✊🏽
Oh so sorry to hear that. Keep your head up and keep plugging away! Use it as motivation to find something awesome
I feel you. I’ve been laid off 3 times in 7 years and have held jobs for about 2 years or less per agency. It happens. The advice to embrace the impermanence of the work is pretty good - I’m never on steady ground but my experience is wide and varied. I use that to my advantage.
(Con’t) Of my career. I know they say you haven’t made it till you get let go, but I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to feel like I’m on solid ground again after this. Do I make peace with the uncertainty? How do other people deal with this?
I’m sorry to hear but consider this a chance to do something you love and go somewhere better and do bigger and better things. Best of luck in your next step.
Unfortunately, in advertising, there is no solid ground. Just quicksand. It happens to all of us. Don’t take it personally—it’s just the price of admission. You’ll be ok. Take a little time to mourn and then get back out there. You’ll end up happier, in a better situation. And more appreciated.
Also - if anyone is looking for a very motivated AD in New York please reach out and I’ll DM over my book!
Oh shoot I think someone DM’d me but I accidentally ignored it. Holler back!
I’ve been laid off 4 times, and 3 of those were obviously coming; clients leaving or log periods with nothing to do, but the last one hit while I was in the middle of production on a print, digital, and 8-tv spot campaign for which I was also the sole Copywriter. But all the writing was mostly “done” and the client cut their budget by 20%, so one day after working in the office til 11pm the night before, I get called in to a meeting with my ECD (who had promoted me 6 months prior and assured me an actual $$$ raise was being worked on), and let go.
Jeez that is absolutely ruthless. At least you hopefully got a great campaign for your book out of it. It seems like no other industry experiences the lack of security we do - unless you count like NBA or NFL coaches or something
https://vimeo.com/9677439
Thanks for posting, I’m going at watch now. I might also send it to my parents so they have a deeper understanding about the insanity of this industry ha