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Hey! Any Google folks know if it’s possible to negotiate fully remote if a contract role is hybrid? Personally, I don’t want to relocate and go to the office on a contract role given the current economy. Plus, I’m assuming contractors are the first to go in layoffs. I just think it’s a fair trade off if I’d be allowed to work fully remote. I’m also trying to have flexibility to manage my Airbnb business in a different country. Same time zone as the home office if I’d travel weeks at a time.
Is Nagarro good to join? I have a fully remote opportunity which I'm pretty sure I can crack. Is the pay and benefits good at Nagarro? Do they provide laptop and test devices or will I have to work on my laptop? Do they give medical insurance etc? What if the project gets over. Do they have enough projects or will I be asked to move to a different technology? Will I be fired if on bench? Nagarro
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Looking for some book recommendations :)
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Crossmedia, any opinions?
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How’s BBH NY?
New to Fishbowl?
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
If you are above a director level / making 200K +
- Demonstrate your worth now. Above and beyond is the name of the game. Remember you are “worth” 2-4 ppl to finance and business leads…why pay one person when they can get 3? Why lay off 3 ppl when they can exit one? Especially if you’re not pulling your weight.
- Don’t jump ship unless you have an exit clause in your contract at the new gig OR it you’re notable enough that laying you off would be an embarrassment. This is why press, awards, etc matter. If you come with clout you have some cover.
- If you have savings, a name for yourself and have years at your agency where your severance will be sizeable, consider asking to be exited and then freelance. Sounds crazy but its a nice long winter vacay until things heat back up in Q1.
No matter the above…check in with your 401K, make necessary drs appts and procedures happen asap and don’t spend frivolously. Also get started on everything you might need to complete an unemployment application so you can execute that quickly. Update books, start checking in with recruiters…and get a hit list together for agencies you may want to freelance for. I have a hunch freelance will pick up around the holidays.
I hope this entire post is unnecessary.
So curious. You say you know because you’re nosy. So you’ve talked to the C-suites at most US agencies and that’s how you got your intel? As well as the leaders at Omnicom, IPG, WPP, etc.? Your advice is definitely good for a recession but just wondering how you know is all.
Thank you! That’s what I was looking for. Appreciate it. I’ve seen too many “the sky is falling” posts on social media without backup so this is the one to take more seriously. But hopefully things turn around and soon.
Been in the industry for a looong time and have been through lots of downturns and a few layoffs. Don't worry, if you are good at your job you will bounce back. Don't fret people! And if you don't bounce back, you can always pursue the dream job you always wanted!
Any thought on how IPG is doing?
Curious about IPG as well. Considering a director offer under the IPG umbrella.
This is valid and not only for a potential layoff season. People often forget how short this carreer is for the majority. On the work advices, keep that constantly to take the most out of this industry.
No matter your level, the most valuable thing that no one can take from you is your book. Always work on that and opportunities, even during a recession, will show up.
Winter is coming...
Lol just as WSJ publishes an article today, “Why the Big Ad Agency Networks Have Resisted the Downturn So Far.”
In all seriousness, this is great advice beyond a recession. I don’t think a recession is coming but brands are preemptively tightening belts, which impacts our market hard. Some layoffs already hit. Agencies have contingency plans but aren’t pushing the escape button just yet. Advertising is always a wishy-washy industry, so it pays it keep the proverbial powder dry regardless if times are good.
What do I do if I’m a very underpaid Strategy Director? 😅
Then you’re probably safe
I haven’t been through a large agency lay off, but know tons of people over many years that have been laid off. Do you think fully funded people are safer?
Any update on this OP?