Advertising Agencies in Dallas
Today, I quit my job at a top global agency in the DFW area. Two years ago my friend told me NOT to take the job because things at the agency were in shambles and people were leaving left and right. I interviewed for a position and was offered the max salary for the position.
I am not a Kool-Aid drinker/rah rah rah type. I just go to work, do the best I can, try to make changes for the better. After two years at this big agency I realized it was time for me to move on. While I was nicely compensated for the work I did, the job itself became stale. Perhaps it's ADHD, but I need to be challenged and this job no longer offered that. Instead, it offered a position in a chaotic environment where whatever it takes and however late you have to stay, the job gets done. This seems to be the case at another agency in Dallas.
Are they all sweat shops? The same comments the users make about IMC2, Tribal, Slingshot could also be made about the company I worked for. I interviewed at Tribal downtown and everyone looked completely miserable. A coworker came from Slingshot said she was bored there and there were no growth opportunities. Sounds very familiar.
Back to my friend who warned me about the job. I am thankful for the experience I gained at this company and I was able to save quite a bit. However, my friend wasn't as lucky. Due to the poor economy and slashed marketing budgets, many were laid off beginning in October of 2008 and continuing through 2009. I noticed that this wasn't a trimming the fat but getting rid of the most expensive people. The same line of BS was used that these people did not have the skill set that was needed. Some people had over 10 years with the company. It was demoralizing to see them layoff 12 in one day and the following day a corporate wide email was sent announcing promotions for executives and various managers. Could they have waited? Am I supposed to be happy for these six figure income talking heads? It left a bad taste in my mouth that never went away. Those that were laid off were replaced with younger people who lacked the necessary experience required in a digital agency which this company will never be, try as they will.
Sour grapes? Not really. I'm happy to moving on with the experience I gained. I was not fired, I was able to leave on my own terms which is always best. I am "rehirable" as I was told in my exit interview today. This is good as I busted my ass during those crunch times where you have to get things done in a short period of time.
One of the top clients I worked with on a daily basis told me that they appreciated the work I did for them and told me that they would provide a reference if needed. Very cool. Maybe it was worth the stress of the job, frustration with coworkers, sleepless nights, and the meds to keep me calm.
Now, I'm planning a job search trip to California. My focus will be on true "digital agencies" out there. I've already spoken with agencies in San Diego, LA, and San Francisco. I am confident I'll find something. My dream is that it will pay enough so that I can live near the ocean.
I leave in one week.
IMC2 Looks to Lure New Business While Helping Clients Get Comfortable in Category
I am not a Kool-Aid drinker/rah rah rah type. I just go to work, do the best I can, try to make changes for the better. After two years at this big agency I realized it was time for me to move on. While I was nicely compensated for the work I did, the job itself became stale. Perhaps it's ADHD, but I need to be challenged and this job no longer offered that. Instead, it offered a position in a chaotic environment where whatever it takes and however late you have to stay, the job gets done. This seems to be the case at another agency in Dallas.
Are they all sweat shops? The same comments the users make about IMC2, Tribal, Slingshot could also be made about the company I worked for. I interviewed at Tribal downtown and everyone looked completely miserable. A coworker came from Slingshot said she was bored there and there were no growth opportunities. Sounds very familiar.
Back to my friend who warned me about the job. I am thankful for the experience I gained at this company and I was able to save quite a bit. However, my friend wasn't as lucky. Due to the poor economy and slashed marketing budgets, many were laid off beginning in October of 2008 and continuing through 2009. I noticed that this wasn't a trimming the fat but getting rid of the most expensive people. The same line of BS was used that these people did not have the skill set that was needed. Some people had over 10 years with the company. It was demoralizing to see them layoff 12 in one day and the following day a corporate wide email was sent announcing promotions for executives and various managers. Could they have waited? Am I supposed to be happy for these six figure income talking heads? It left a bad taste in my mouth that never went away. Those that were laid off were replaced with younger people who lacked the necessary experience required in a digital agency which this company will never be, try as they will.
Sour grapes? Not really. I'm happy to moving on with the experience I gained. I was not fired, I was able to leave on my own terms which is always best. I am "rehirable" as I was told in my exit interview today. This is good as I busted my ass during those crunch times where you have to get things done in a short period of time.
One of the top clients I worked with on a daily basis told me that they appreciated the work I did for them and told me that they would provide a reference if needed. Very cool. Maybe it was worth the stress of the job, frustration with coworkers, sleepless nights, and the meds to keep me calm.
Now, I'm planning a job search trip to California. My focus will be on true "digital agencies" out there. I've already spoken with agencies in San Diego, LA, and San Francisco. I am confident I'll find something. My dream is that it will pay enough so that I can live near the ocean.
I leave in one week.
IMC2 Looks to Lure New Business While Helping Clients Get Comfortable in Category
Labels: advertising, california, dallas
posted by grillcheese at 11:48 PM
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