Let's talk titles...
Is it bad to take a lower title if it means more pay and a larger agency?

(Specifically going from VP at an agency of 50 to Director at a global agency)

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There’s rampant title inflation across the board. I know someone who is a 29 YO VP at small agency. Titles don’t keep you fed or a roof over your head.

likesmart

No on knows the difference between VP and a Director, so youre good. I wouldnt consider that a demotion

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As a VP Director i second this

funnylike

Agree. Especially in Agency land. VP means not much - some orgs you have some type of skin in game, but mostly it’s just pandering IMO. You are a director or above you are a shot caller, to what extent is determined by: business, managing, global etc. Good luck and break a leg, Director at a global agency is a nice gig to have.

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Yea and no…. It’s mixed. I went from an EVP title to a higher paid SVP title. I’m happy about the move and money and the role. The only difference I’ve seen is the opportunities that recruiters have been coming to me with. When I was an EVP they were generally for C suite or other EVP roles. Now that I’m an SVP they’re for VP or SVP roles. I’m not looking to move but if i do it might be an issue. Just my experience but worth keeping in mind.

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Also keep this in mind: the higher your title now, the fewer opportunities there are above you.

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Why would you care so much about your VP title, are you the only VP after the president? If not it's meaningless.

likesmart

Is the scope of the role also defensibly better? (Ie, isn’t a big dip in responsibility on your CV?)

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You can always change your title once you leave a place on your resume and LinkedIn. I did from my last job because the title was not what the rest of the industry uses.

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This is only kosher to do if you’d do it while you’re still working there and nobody would bat an eye. And the way to do that would be “Current Weird Title (Normal Industry Equivalent).” If you’d feel weird doing that right now, you have your answer as to whether you should do it later.

smart

If your new company has VPs but they’re not starting you as one, I would push to start there so you’re not setting your resume back. If they don’t have VPs at all and the equivalent title is Director, take it.

I once accepted a lateral move from VP to VP with a large pay increase, but didn’t realize the new agency had multiple levels of hierarchy within that VP title so getting to SVP was going to require multiple promotions (when it would have been my next promotion at the old place). It didn’t matter in terms of immediate salary implications but it did make my next job search sort of annoying, as another commenter mentioned - I was getting approached for jobs that were more junior because I didn’t have that “S” yet.

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Your title is merely a tool you use to do your job. It’s not compensation. If you are happy with everything (compensation, benefits, role) the VP thing is irrelevant. Plus, when you get promoted next year, they can give you a big raise!

An account director is a good position to be in at a global shop. VP means nothing.

I went back a title for a better role. No regrets.

Which role will set you up for greater career success or progression? If you choose based on that premise then money and titles should follow.

All good perspectives, thank you!

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