I spent many years working late nights and traveling. It's a young person's game. Working hard, pressure, and late nights are not exclusive to our industry, but is certainly common. Suck it up, hone your craft, build your network and reap the rewards later.
Or, don't.
Absolutely loved it initially, the exposure, how fast paced it was, the different industries, spending a day going through various areas and types of work, the clients I met, lunches and meetings out at different places
After a year, burnt out as fuck, for all those reasons mentioned above aha
Great whilst it lasted, and feel it gave me invaluable experience in my career, just wasn't sustainable
Might be worth pointing out that design agencies aren't the only jobs. At least 50% of full-time is in-house, and the rest split between agencies and studios, which all can vary in their own ways.
My career has been between studios and in-house, I haven't worked OT in over a decade and even before then, only when I chose to really (such as in a paid-hourly job where I could go in weekends for extra cash when I wanted it).
No matter what commonalities exist within segments of the industry, one job is just one job. So if you don't like where you're at, or find that you don't like the agency life, try to find a studio or in-house job that aligns more with your preferences and goals.
I’ve had a similar experience to you, you will get faster but it won’t get better. Get all the experience you can and build a good portfolio so you can leave for an in-house role or freelance.
Yep. Sounds right.
The question you need to ask yourself every time you get up in the morning (and do this your whole career) is, am I more valuable today?
Meaning, is my portfolio getting better and better which means I can get a better job. Is my knowledge of the design business increasing significantly so I can get a better job.
Consider each and every job as an investment that you are getting paid for. If you feel you are losing value, then it's time to leave.
In summation, if you ask many successful senior level professionals in the design world about this, most will have stories about really tough roles they had, BUT, will say how much they gained from those experiences and how those directly led to their current positions and success.
Gain the experience at an agency for a few years. Pay is lower but with time/experience you can eventually make your way up to senior level for higher pay. A few of my coworkers went the freelance route and are making a lot more money starting their own business. If you’re comfortable with finding your own clients and working holidays.
I’ve recently switched over to in-house as art director (corporate financial) after 15 years in agency.
Pay is wayyyy more, better benefits, 9-5 and less stressful work (not as creative but I’m ok with it). Projects aren’t as creative but I’m done with late nights and low pay.
I spent many years working late nights and traveling. It's a young person's game. Working hard, pressure, and late nights are not exclusive to our industry, but is certainly common. Suck it up, hone your craft, build your network and reap the rewards later. Or, don't.
Absolutely loved it initially, the exposure, how fast paced it was, the different industries, spending a day going through various areas and types of work, the clients I met, lunches and meetings out at different places After a year, burnt out as fuck, for all those reasons mentioned above aha Great whilst it lasted, and feel it gave me invaluable experience in my career, just wasn't sustainable
Aha the irony, but yeah indeed I agree it’s definitely not something for the long run
Might be worth pointing out that design agencies aren't the only jobs. At least 50% of full-time is in-house, and the rest split between agencies and studios, which all can vary in their own ways. My career has been between studios and in-house, I haven't worked OT in over a decade and even before then, only when I chose to really (such as in a paid-hourly job where I could go in weekends for extra cash when I wanted it). No matter what commonalities exist within segments of the industry, one job is just one job. So if you don't like where you're at, or find that you don't like the agency life, try to find a studio or in-house job that aligns more with your preferences and goals.
I’ve had a similar experience to you, you will get faster but it won’t get better. Get all the experience you can and build a good portfolio so you can leave for an in-house role or freelance.
Yep. Sounds right. The question you need to ask yourself every time you get up in the morning (and do this your whole career) is, am I more valuable today? Meaning, is my portfolio getting better and better which means I can get a better job. Is my knowledge of the design business increasing significantly so I can get a better job. Consider each and every job as an investment that you are getting paid for. If you feel you are losing value, then it's time to leave. In summation, if you ask many successful senior level professionals in the design world about this, most will have stories about really tough roles they had, BUT, will say how much they gained from those experiences and how those directly led to their current positions and success.
Thank you for your insight!
Gain the experience at an agency for a few years. Pay is lower but with time/experience you can eventually make your way up to senior level for higher pay. A few of my coworkers went the freelance route and are making a lot more money starting their own business. If you’re comfortable with finding your own clients and working holidays. I’ve recently switched over to in-house as art director (corporate financial) after 15 years in agency. Pay is wayyyy more, better benefits, 9-5 and less stressful work (not as creative but I’m ok with it). Projects aren’t as creative but I’m done with late nights and low pay.
Thank you for sharing, the funny thing is I actually came from in-house prior, and I left because there was no career progression
Par for the course.