As an advertising copywriter, the next rung on the advancement ladder is usually to become an associate creative director. When clients offered those positions, I used to laugh – just because I can write, doesn’t mean I know how to direct creative work, which involves art oversight as well as copy direction. Being good with words doesn’t translate into being able to manage people, impose deadlines, and mediate squabbles between writers and designers. When the offers arose, I always declined.
So when a reputable advertising professional approached me to start a new agency, I should have known better. Experience should have told me this was a bad idea. Instead, I was flattered so I jumped on the opportunity to “advance” my career. We named the agency, created a logo, built a website, and built a client base. The venture did well. We were successful. I “advanced.” And I hated every minute of it.
I’m a copywriter -- not a business person. I know my profession well; over 15 years in the business has given me a solid grasp of the skills necessary to do my job, so there is no stress. I have an established base of clients who come to me, so I don’t have to solicit business. Most importantly, I am able to control the quality of my work and ensure that I meet my deadlines. That is not the case when one has to depend upon employees and subcontractors. I went from a job I enjoyed (writing), to a job I detested – cold calling, schmoozing, dealing with megalomaniac clients, and needing to tell people their work wasn’t up to par.
So I walked away. My old business partner still has the agency and it’s going strong. In fact, he's a steady client. I might not be making gobs of money, but I make enough to get by. And I’m much happier for it.
How would moving up in your career make your life better – and worse?
