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Agree to hold strong. The thinking from leadership about smaller markets is that it makes you ‘less mobile’ with fewer places to move in market.
Not sure your level but if it’s one that manages a fair amount of people I believe it’s greatly beneficial to have that role in office. If your team is in office it’s valuable for them to see you work. And I literally mean see you. There’s learning through osmosis. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned from creative directors in my past didn’t happen in a meeting that would’ve been on a remote call. It’s all the stuff that happens in between. Seeing how they react to tough client feedback after a call ends. Seeing the soft skills in the way they build relationships with others across the agency. Etc.
Chief
F’em. The agencies that wise up and go remote are the ones who will succeed in the end.
👆This is literally the only reason I haven’t moved from the LA area. I’m dying to, but it’s too volatile of a business to risk it in a small market. And too few places still offer remote.
Hold strong. If they really want you they’ll do remote. Many agencies still allow it secretly
The same way you don’t feel comfortable moving they probably don’t feel comfortable having their office empty. Or maybe they have some important local clients that need to be regularly visited in person. Hard to tell. IMO it’s kinda crazy for small market agencies to pass up superior remote talent just to physically fill a seat.
Absolutely, and that’s why they will struggle to attract great talent.
Agree with CCO2 on the culture aspect - that may be part of why they want to hire you - to impart the energy and culture in their office. There is an in-between option that I have seen work - fly in on Monday AM, out Thur night. Remote on Fridays. Get a commuter apartment. Don’t move the family until you’re sure. It isn’t pretty but it might work if there’s a direct flight.
Can you get a contract that will commit you to at least a year?
I would have done the same. Their loss
It’s a culture thing mostly. It is objectively far more difficult to build culture and retain talent in a remote setup. I say this with all the bias of someone who has worked remotely since Covid. Also worth noting that if you are one of a very select few remote workers in an org, then your mid-long term growth potential WILL suffer. It’s easier if you have a very senior champion to back you, but ultimately leadership isn’t going to promote someone to director/group director/executive levels if they don’t know your face.
Coming from the CCO? It’s probably a high level right? Makes sense to me why they want you in the office. Gone are the hybrid roles in this industry. It was a short run, but if tech is making their employees come in, so will everyone else (generally). Don’t attack me with your exception.
I meant remote*
What was the market? How small of a market was it? Was was the role? Sometimes for more senior roles they can be persuaded.
Many years ago, NYC had a major crisis in advertising - agencies were all merging and hundreds of talented people suddenly found themselves being laid off. People were scrambling for work and taking huge cuts in salaries just to land a position. Many people quit the business.
I was looking for a job anywhere - including applying for a position in Alaska! I ended up getting recruited for a job in Toledo, OH! I found a great house in a small suburb. I loved it.
The agency had some fun accounts and I did some great work and had a blast. There were enough other agencies and freelance that I was always able to find work. And I had a beautiful home on 6.5 acres, a horse stable, riding arena/corral, and my horse in my backyard. It was wonderful. Very different from NYC - but turned out to be a terrific, well-paid career move and great personal decision.
Those smaller-market opportunities can turn out to be fantastic for myriad reasons.
Was the CCO from Detroit? Which agency?
Sometimes you have to go to where the work is. They are the ones hiring at the moment. What’s your age/career journey/goal?
I’d also add that if the agency is part of a publicly held holding company and not an independent, you’re working in a smaller city with less options with a negligible or non-existent improvement in work-life balance.
I was in the same shoes as you not too long ago. FYI I’m cd now and took a role in smaller market coming from large one. Also famous awards and all. I don’t regret the decision one bit. The work life balance is a lot better, money comparable and opportunity to still do great work is there if you want it. The cost of living is significantly lower which allows to actually do things I wouldn’t have been able to in a big city.
I’ve noticed the big agencies are falling apart, the constant chase after quarterly profit goals are killing the agencies and people within them so if you care only about the logo you put in your email signature then sure look for the big agency in big city (doesn’t matter which because they’re all the same at this point). If you’re looking to actually improve your quality of life, consider smaller market. Big fish in a small pond.
Hi OP. Question. Why'd you leave GUT / thoughts on the agency? Which office?
Chief
Gut is really cool. The creative leadership are all great and smart. It’s not a sweatshop but it’s insanely fast paced and that impacts the craft, imho. I have no clue how globant will affect the agency.
I left for another agency, got laid off not even a year in (which is part of my skepticism to move somewhere for a job).
I rather not say the office.