Advertising, I always say, is for people with a different DNA. We're a special kind of breed. We're obnoxious, have a weird sense of humor, some have egos bigger than what they think their penis is, some have mental problems that can only be resolved by working in the shit hole we call ad agencies.
We. Love. Our. Work.
As much as we like to bitch and moan here in our little space in the internet, I can vouch my ovaries that we at one point will admit - with some sort of help from alcohol - that we love what we do, that it's a riot, that we have a blast. Then we sober up and realize that basically it sucks most of the time.
Going with that theme, I realized that there are some hard core truths that we just cannot ignore about working in this business - and that maybe some cannot get being a lawyer or a doctor... who knows.
Here are my 10 facts. Feel free to add yours. In fact, please. Write something down. I don't even care if you write something with no meaning. I just need to know that I'm not writing for myself... Um, uh, where was I? Oh. 10 facts about working in advertising. Let's do this.
1) Your closest friends, the people that know you the most worked with you at some point in one agency.
All my friends come from agencies. None, and I repeat, none of my dearest friends come from places like college or even high school. These people have seen you at your worst, they understand how it feels to get home so late, to never see your family. They became yours and viceversa one day at 4am while doing a presentation and you never noticed. Life is funny that way.
2) You will always miss one important day in your life or your family's life at one point during your work - and it will be because of one simple ad.
Don't fight it. Just let it be. Make sure, though, that it happens just once. You will learn a lot about this experience. Trust me.
3) All agencies have one person you will hate with all your guts.
I do. Restrictions does. I sure know my man the Joker has a shitload of people he would love to cut their balls off. Just remember to keep it controlled. At one point life will just find the way to do justice for you. Or you could pay us to kick the ass of the person you despise. We have different offers to choose from! No money down!
4) Every agency has one person who you deeply doubt has an IQ or was educated at one point.
Morons, idiots, really stupid people. I don't know why this happens, but I've seen it repeat itself over and over again. Sad part is, all my list of idiots have been, for the most part, women. Shame is not a word that describes how I feel about that.
5) Media People are women and they get drunk at least every 2 months.
I don't know why this is true. I've seen media girls lose all dignity at places like karaoke bars... it is just sad. Also, they get tickets for every show, movie screening, concert and kids activity you can ever imagine. Oh, and they don't share shit.
6) In your creative department someone right now is copying one old art found either at Communication Arts or Archive.
Deal with it. Plagiarism happens. Like shit... you know?
7) You will find the love of your life in an ad agency.
Happened to me, happened to Restrictions, happened to many of my friends. We just understand each other better.
8) During the year, you will at one point always want to quit on a moment's notice.
You will think about this, usually when you are very pissed off. Take a breather, relax. My recommendation is: start looking for work, send out your resume. When you do find a job, give a week's notice. It's the same fuck you feeling but with a decent twist.
9) Someone married is fucking someone else who is married in your agency.
Wait. We have to add the following: someone is fucking the CEO, someone is fucking the Creative Director, the Creative Director is fucking your Account Director, two creatives banged in a car, the copy hit on your wife, the designer hit on your husband. Basically... it's a fuck fest. Just wear a condom and don't judge. It's not your business.
10) One job was forgotten at someone's desk this week. And the next week all your team is going to get home late because of it.
If I had a penny when I heard "Can you help me out with this job?", I'd be writing this post from a house in Bora Bora. Dammit.
7 comments:
Sorry, but I have nothing to add. That is one Iron clad list. Great post. and fear not. We. read. you. every. day.
#9 meeeeemoooorieesssss!!!!
Am I reading part my biography??? You are soooo right it hurts!!!! And yes, I. Read. You.
I got one.
Creative Directors with HUGE egos and are scared as shit from Junior creatives. They kill their ideas all the time and next thing you know, they take their ideas and turn them into their. Like magic!
Great post! Keep writing!
Outstanding, and scary true!
Having worked in or consulted with thousands of ad agencies I could add much more to the mix.
In fact, I did somewhat here:
"Working in a agency you get to work with some of the best and brightest, be highly creative, experience fun times, and relish the thrill of victory - and then there is the rest of the time."
http://sandersconsulting.com/newbusinesshawk/bid/46931/5-things-i-hate-about-latrine-duty-er-new-business
Enjoyed it! Thanks!
Bob Sanders
Sanders Consulting Group
Blog: http://sandersconsulting.com/newbusinesshawk/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/newbusinesshawk
I work in a different country, in another language and quite different culture, but in this post describes my agency perfectly. Great observations. Cheers!
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