What's the difference between working in advertising in Chicago and in NYC? I'm thinking about making a move, and besides the cost of living, is there any difference between working in the two cities?

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There are more agencies in New York, but honestly this industry is about to go through some serious pain after this IPG acquisition.

likesmart

I haven’t worked in NY, but I’ve worked in other markets from small to huge. I believe this pretty much applies everywhere: bigger market = more opportunities and more jobs but also big market = way more competitive. Smaller market = less opportunities and less jobs but also less competitive.
At a smaller market, you can be a big fish in a smaller pond. In NY you will be swimming with piranhas.

Having said that… I know some terrible creatives that somehow still manage to be employed in NY.

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I am a freelancer in Chicago and all my remote jobs, and the majority of contracts I receive are out of NYC. The big agencies have steady work, and are more creative driven, vs account driven. I find there is a lot more respect for the work, and the account teams are very supportive and strategic about how they manage the clients in that respect.

helpfullike

In New York you won’t go home. The work ethic/lifestyle is truly different and egregious. Have always preferred Chicago. We have lives.

likehelpful

So even at places like Leo, EnergyBBDO and High Dive, the hours are shorter? What are we talking, 9:30-6:30? (On a day when there is no presentation the next day, obvs).

Have worked and lived in both. Agree more jobs in NY but way more cutthroat. Even harder to get in places nowadays too. Also the current salaries in NY aren’t good enough to justify the COL difference in my opinion.

likesmart

Working in NYC there are way more jobs. You may not be doing High Dive level creative, but at least there is work/money to pay your rent. Also the art directors are nicer.

likefunny

Oh and the offices are the other big difference. Anyone else who has been to both the Chi and NY offices of major shops will know what I’m talking about

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You’ve been to both NY offices?? Not sure if they’ve updated the Chi spaces in the past few years but those offices are nothing like NY. Esp the mcgarry office

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