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How long were you a junior?
Saturday night live is getting good again.
I got the job. That is all.
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Some tips:
1) Relax. You don’t know if it will be lost and even if it is, you are definitely nowhere at the top of the layoff list. An AAE doesn’t get paid enough (and they have higher margins) to make a big dent on the balance sheet. You’re safer than basically anyone on the account, regardless of department.
2) Talk to HR. Tell them your concerns. Ask about rotations. See what’s open and what might be coming available.
3) A personal experience. I was laid off as an Account Supervisor. I got a better job in 2 weeks that landed me an even better job exactly 1 year later. And within 7 years from then I was an MD. Honestly, getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to my career. It will happen at least once to everyone in Advertising - it’s the way of the industry. Your time won’t be now, but even if it ever comes, it will all work out.
Now go have a beer and chill out :)
If the unfortunate happens, it's not all bad... it happens to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE. Wear it like a badge of honor. Enjoy the time off and hopefully a severance package. You'll land right back on your feet.
And any tips for an AAE? Officially we haven’t lost the account yet but a lot gossip going on that it might be happening within the next month or two
The last place I was at would try to either find another place for them or put them in new biz. Letting people go was definitely a last resort. And it was probably extra motivation to try and win the new biz.
Um, I've been the first one to be laid off, I've also been the only one to get laid off (while creative was working on other account or reassigned) when we've lost the business (not at my current level). So it hugely depends on the unique circumstance. It's 50/50 chance. I totally agree it happens to everyone at pretty much any level and likely more than once in your career.
In the UK we have a law called TUPE (pronounced two-pee).
It was originally designed to protect construction workers if their company was moved off a big construction project. But it applies to all industries now.
Basically, if you worked more than 90% on the outgoing client, you move with them to their new agency.
And it's the responsibility of the new agency to either integrate you or pay for your severance (which also mitigates the cost to the original agency, since losing a major income stream AND having to pay out severance packages can be a huge blow).
It makes sense in non-service industries, but when clients are basically buying one group of thinkers and doers over another group of thinkers and doers, the last thing they want to see is the old thinkers and doers they got rid of in the first place. :/
Anyway, good luck OP. You'll be fine. Everything happens for a reason etc.
Depends. As an AAE i was let go, But typically the higher ups go first
Definitely depends.
In general, account people are some of the most easily billable to clients. So they’re usually the last to go.
And when they do go, it’s usually more senior first
Also depends how good you are. I’ve seen okay directors let go while their great interns get moved to other accounts.
Agree with all of the above. Also, even if you do lose the account, it usually takes several months to transition it to the new agency. So you should have some time to get another job lined up while you know this one is probably winding down.
What many others have said. Plus, I’d just suggest that everyone - regardless of level - spend time networking within your own agency. Build relationships outside of your client team. Ask someone to be a mentor. Spend time with people in other groups (Production, strategy, etc). Volunteer for company initiatives or new business even if it seems lame or a lot of work. This not only helps demonstrate your value outside of your business, but the more folks that know you, the more opportunities you will have in these situations - not just if account loss is a possibility, but also if there’s a great rotation opportunity that is opening up. Not presuming you haven’t done any of the above, but find many folks are overly insular or account team focused.