I started to work for an agency (as a developer) 6 months ago. here is my experience so far: CONS: - direct customer contact - constant project switches (multiple times a day) - extreme tight deadlines - the need to write everything down what I did - no clear tasks - no one is there to help me... because coworkers are also very busy. - daily bullshit status meetings and some additional surprise meetings. PRO: - I learned a lot... but not really enough to be a pro in one project / tech. all of this, results into pure STRESS. In the end of a day I feel very exhausted without having really done much. I will quit soon and search for a "normal" job where I can be a human again and not think about hanging myself. I tried to search for a job while I am still hired but it is very difficult.
I'm glad I saw this video after I was hired at an agency because I don't think I would have accepted the position. With that said, I'M SO GRATEFUL to be working as a designer in an agency. It's only been 4 months and I've learned so much already. Clients are difficult sometimes, tracking your hours and paying attention to budget is stressful but the variety of work means no boredom. My team is amazing and company culture seems healthy. It's hard work, but it's worth it.
I hear ya! I do not regret working in agencies at the beginning of my career because I did learn a ton. Just make sure your'e taking care of yourself and don't burn out. No job is worth your mental or physical health
Quick question: I already have a BA in Psychology and Theater Arts double major, and a Masters in Work Psychology and Marketing/Advertising. I’m late in the game discovering that I actually love graphic design and want to work in the field. However, I don’t have the luxury to go back to school because of the insane amount of loans I currently have. What certificate or free programs do you recommend? What do you recommend in terms of learning enough skill to build a strong portfolio for entry level employment? Please let me know, thanks!
Great content! And I can sooooo relate to the CONS of working for agency as I left an in-house role for an agency role I'm currently in. You speak the truth when it comes to deadlines at an agency because that is the biggest factor. I mean, I worked at an agency 10yrs ago but never thought I'd find myself back at one. I left my previous role because I was finding myself bored with not having enough creativity. Previously, I did more front-end dev and UI. Now that I have more creativity, I'm just not sure if the mental stress is worth it..😕 I'm finding myself putting in more hours than intended. Offered me a much bigger salary than my previous role working in-house BUT I'm finding my stress levels up and down, (more up lately). Clients always want to dictate the deadlines for EVERY new project that comes down the pipeline. But I do love the variety of work. Just wondering if I'm sacrificing my time being a generalist designer rather than focusing on one area to hone and become an expert in.
I’m a student just about to enter the “big world” and I am constantly worrying about which direction to go in, Freelance or agency. This video is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for and has really helped thank you so much! ❤️
Thanks Christine for your sharing! I’m a junior UX designer and just starting out as a freelancer and I do have great interest to work as a full-time in a design agency! Your video totally makes me know how it might be like 🧡 it’s awesome!
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I started to work for an agency (as a developer) 6 months ago.
here is my experience so far:
CONS:
- direct customer contact
- constant project switches (multiple times a day)
- extreme tight deadlines
- the need to write everything down what I did
- no clear tasks
- no one is there to help me... because coworkers are also very busy.
- daily bullshit status meetings and some additional surprise meetings.
PRO:
- I learned a lot... but not really enough to be a pro in one project / tech.
all of this, results into pure STRESS.
In the end of a day I feel very exhausted without having really done much.
I will quit soon and search for a "normal" job where I can be a human again and not think about hanging myself.
I tried to search for a job while I am still hired but it is very difficult.
Spent this entire video trying to rub the white spot in the top left off my tablet screen before I realized it was on the wall in the video.
I'm glad I saw this video after I was hired at an agency because I don't think I would have accepted the position. With that said, I'M SO GRATEFUL to be working as a designer in an agency. It's only been 4 months and I've learned so much already. Clients are difficult sometimes, tracking your hours and paying attention to budget is stressful but the variety of work means no boredom. My team is amazing and company culture seems healthy. It's hard work, but it's worth it.
I hear ya! I do not regret working in agencies at the beginning of my career because I did learn a ton. Just make sure your'e taking care of yourself and don't burn out. No job is worth your mental or physical health
Quick question: I already have a BA in Psychology and Theater Arts double major, and a Masters in Work Psychology and Marketing/Advertising.
I’m late in the game discovering that I actually love graphic design and want to work in the field. However, I don’t have the luxury to go back to school because of the insane amount of loans I currently have.
What certificate or free programs do you recommend? What do you recommend in terms of learning enough skill to build a strong portfolio for entry level employment? Please let me know, thanks!
You can find a list of online programs I recommend here: designgal.org/resources/learn-design/
What are your favorite and least favorite things about working in an agency?
Great content! And I can sooooo relate to the CONS of working for agency as I left an in-house role for an agency role I'm currently in. You speak the truth when it comes to deadlines at an agency because that is the biggest factor. I mean, I worked at an agency 10yrs ago but never thought I'd find myself back at one. I left my previous role because I was finding myself bored with not having enough creativity. Previously, I did more front-end dev and UI. Now that I have more creativity, I'm just not sure if the mental stress is worth it..😕 I'm finding myself putting in more hours than intended. Offered me a much bigger salary than my previous role working in-house BUT I'm finding my stress levels up and down, (more up lately). Clients always want to dictate the deadlines for EVERY new project that comes down the pipeline. But I do love the variety of work. Just wondering if I'm sacrificing my time being a generalist designer rather than focusing on one area to hone and become an expert in.
Definitely pros and cons. For me, the stress was the biggest con and I couldn't take it anymore! haha.
I’m a student just about to enter the “big world” and I am constantly worrying about which direction to go in, Freelance or agency. This video is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for and has really helped thank you so much! ❤️
I'm so excited for you! Glad I could help, let me know how it goes out in the "big world"!
Agree 100%!!! The mental stress is on another level.
It can be serious! I think I'm too old for that level of stress now .. no thank you! 😂
Thanks Christine for your sharing! I’m a junior UX designer and just starting out as a freelancer and I do have great interest to work as a full-time in a design agency! Your video totally makes me know how it might be like 🧡 it’s awesome!
So glad you found this helpful, Rosie!
Absolutely love your channel it has been such a big help with the wealth of information you provide . please keep it going .
Thank you JC!
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Of course! I'm also doing videos on working for startups (just posted) and in-house (next week!). Thanks for watching.
Great video! Thanks!
Thanks for the comment!
So helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I agree 100%
Alright, good to hear! Thanks :)