Why I Left Agency Life To Work For Myself

Leaving agency life was not a decision made lightly; it was a culmination of experiences, reflections, and aspirations that ultimately led me to seek a different path. Working in an agency environment often comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards, yet there came a point when I realized that my personal and professional goals were shifting. In this narrative, I will explore the reasons that motivated my departure, the lessons I learned along the way, and the exciting new opportunities that lay ahead.

My Experience Didn't Meet My Expectations

Getting hooked on the idea of working at an agency is like falling for the cool kid in school—it's fast-paced, full of surprises, and you never know what you'll be doing next, but you just know it'll be exciting!

My experience with agencies was quite different. In my view, the environment was toxic. During my 5-year tenure at an agency, I often found myself overworked, underpaid, and occasionally not paid at all.

I didn't experience the mentorship, professional development opportunities, collaborative environment, or creative energy usually linked with agency work. The owner was very unprofessional, and I'm genuinely surprised his company is still operating.

The Turning Point

I was the sole designer at the agency, tasked with handling numerous clients, managing our social media, and attending client meetings simply because I was a "pretty face" and many clients disliked the owner. This overwhelming workload eventually led to burnout, diminishing my passion for my work. I felt like a design cow, constantly being milked. I realized that my personal values and goals were not aligned with the agency's culture.

The Decision to Leave

One day, I requested a raise as I was significantly underpaid considering my experience and the workload I handled for the company. Instead, they proposed reducing my salary and moving me to part-time, asked me to sign a non-compete agreement, and hired a new designer at nearly twice my salary. This was my pivotal moment. I resolved not to allow this company to diminish my passion for what I've done for so many years any further. I submitted my two weeks' notice and chose to start a branding company. This resulted in me working for the company during the day and organizing my business at night. I maintained this routine for two weeks.

The Transition Period

Once I completed my time there, I began launching my business, expanding my social media presence, and launching my website. My goal was to attract clients to create a financial cushion to facilitate my transition.

Facing the emotional hurdles of leaving a secure job became even more difficult when I received a cease and desist letter from my former employer. The owner asserted that he owned the talents and skills I acquired in college, for which I'm still paying.

Fortunately, my first client came so easily. She was a delightful paralegal. As we worked together on the design process, we developed a friendship, and I shared my situation with her. I forwarded all the legal documents and the last contract I had signed to her. She reassured me that the company had no claims to my work and motivated me to keep pursuing my endeavors.

Benefits of Working for Myself

Working for myself has led to significantly more personal growth than I experienced during my five years at the agency. I've built numerous valuable connections that have resulted in impressive additions to my portfolio and resume. I've also developed confidence in both my work and personal life. Most importantly, as a single mom, I've had the chance to be present for my son, which is invaluable.

Owning A Business Comes With Challenges

It's not all smooth sailing. Running a business presents its own challenges. The toughest part is attracting clients and establishing a reputation. As a single mom, handling unpredictable income and planning for financial stability is extremely stressful. Some months are excellent, while others are not, making budgeting essential.

Conclusion

I'm not claiming that every marketing agency is toxic. However, if you find yourself in a work environment that exhausts you and offers no opportunities for growth, it's worthwhile to take the leap and make changes to improve your life. Thanks for reading! Kristi