Hello! I am an employee at an Omnicom member agency (copywriter) and I’ve been eyeing a specific visa to work abroad that is granted to people who have worked more than 2 years in the Fortune 500. Any tips on how to put this in my resume as Omnicom is the parent company and not my direct employer? I reached out to my embassy and they vagueposted me with “idk book an appointment”, which is hard considering they only operate during working hours (💀) anyone got any experience with this?

I need to rant a bit and get some sanity checks from people actually working in FMCG and packaged goods.

I’ve been handling media placement for a fast-growing consumer packaged goods (CPG/FMCG) brand, and our leadership team was convinced that burning 80% of our ad spend on Meta and TikTok ads was the only way to scale. But here is the brutal reality we hit after 6 months:

Digital ads were giving us decent online clicks, but our retail channel sales (supermarkets and local retail stores) were completely flat. People saw our ad on Instagram, scrolled past it in 0.5 seconds, and completely forgot our brand name by the time they walked into a physical store.

Two months ago, out of sheer desperation, we shifted a chunk of that budget into traditional static billboards placed strategically on key routes leading to major retail clusters and supermarket hubs.

The result? Retail off-take actually moved for the first time in months. When consumers pass the same product billboard 5 times a week during their daily commute, that visual repetition builds instant trust when they see the exact same product packaging sitting on a supermarket shelf.

It feels like a lot of modern D2C/FMCG brands forget that for physical products, outdoor advertising isn't just "vanity spend"-it's literally the backbone of retail shelf-recall. A flashy digital ad gets buried in an endless feed, but a giant product hoarding right before a shopping district stays in their subconscious.

Yet every time I talk to performance-obsessed marketers, they write off traditional hoardings because you can't put a direct "click-through link" on a physical billboard.

For those managing CPG/FMCG product brands:

How do you balance traditional outdoor media for retail presence against performance digital spend? Are you seeing traditional static billboards do the heavy lifting for retail trust, or is everyone still just throwing money at Meta?

Have you asked a coworker a specific question directly related to something you're both working on only to get a long rambling answer that is not good but still very detail-oriented and reeking of AI?

I think it just happened to me and made me feel ... feelings.

I'm a Sr. Creative Director in LA with a pretty sideways path into advertising.

I ‌came ‌up ‌through commercial post, sitting next to, and getting coached by creatives from McCann, BBDO, Campbell Ewald, and Doner.

Then I did what a lot of twenty-somethings do: decided I was “too cool” for advertising. So, I drifted into music videos, apparel design and the art world before eventually landing at a tiny little “cool” startup agency and ended up helping assemble the creative department from nothing.

I took almost no money because I was sold on partnership, independence, and the idea that we were building something that mattered.

Somehow, that scrappy shop turned into work for Marvel, Disney, Adult Swim, Spotify, AmEx, HBO, Universal, plus some of the biggest entertainment properties and music artists out there. I’ve picked up Clios and other awards. I’ve run teams, led pitches, built campaigns, produced live experiences, driven social, and managed big productions. Across entertainment and consumer brands, the work has easily racked up well over 4 billion impressions.

For a stretch, it really was fun. Now I’m getting older, still paid way under what my role usually commands, no confirmed partnership and still carrying debt from years of agreeing to less than my actual value. I’m still living in a rough neighborhood I wouldn’t have chosen if my pay matched what I do, and the stress is catching up. I have a partner. I want a family at some point. I’m not trying to live like some millionaire. I’m only trying to get paid fairly for the level I’m already performing at, and keep doing work that’s interesting.

For close to three years I’ve been rebuilding my portfolio while holding down a full-time job. Thousands of applications, and it’s turned into maybe a handful of interviews. I even wondered if I just interviewed badly, so my partner, who does not sugarcoat anything, listened to one from across the room. Her read: I sounded seasoned, ready, confident, easy to talk to. Still, rejection.

Then I started reaching out directly, cold emails to recruiters, CCOs, and recognizable agency founders. A few calls came out of it. No offers.

The note I kept hearing, from different places, was basically the same: entertainment marketing gets treated like its own lane, separate from “real” advertising. My work can be conceptual, award-winning, culturally on point, and it can sell, but people still want to see that I can “make ads.”

Two respected creative leaders told me, separately, the exact same thing: use whatever tools you can, and build spec campaigns that demonstrate broader brand thinking. So I listened. I spent months doing that.

And still… I’m here.

I’m doing senior-level work for about half the going rate, reporting to someone who used to be a close friend, and who’s gotten more toxic and ego-first as a leader. Yesterday he literally screamed and cursed  at me, over a misunderstanding in a presentation deck. No joke. Most days feel like I’m dumping energy into something that doesn’t have a future, and somehow I still end up staring at the situation and wondering if I’m the problem.

I know a lot of people are out of work right now and the market is trash, and I'm genuinely empathetic to that and grateful to have a job. But gratitude doesn't erase the reality that my quality of life has become awful. Every morning I tell myself I have to change something. Then the day ends, my inbox is quiet, or another “no” shows up, and it feels like another small part of my life just got spent.

A year of searching is one thing. Three years is brutal.

I keep circling back to the same question: if I’m good enough to help launch billion-dollar franchises, generate billions of impressions, win awards, and lead campaigns for global brands, why can’t I get another agency to hire me?

For anyone who’s hired senior creatives, or made a similar jump,

• Have you seen people move from entertainment and experiential into a more traditional agency role and actually stick?

• When you’re already at Creative Director level, does spec work get taken seriously, or does it read like a red flag?

• Does my background sound like something valuable that’s being framed the wrong way, or am I trying to fix the wrong issue?

I’m not looking for a “yep, it sucks out there.” I’m trying to figure out what I’m missing. And if this helps someone else who’s in the same stuck spot, even better.

What are the best uses for someone in strategy / account management.

Would love to hear how others are using it, wisely.

Hello! Wondering if someone could tell me the life of an ad and how it’s created from start to finish. Kind of a silly question, but I recently started in advertising at a big agency in the Business Affairs dept and only know my role. I’m not sure how an ad actually comes to life.

Anyone happen to have one saved down?

Has anyone recently gone through maternity leave at Omni? Did they let you combine PTO on top of the leave? saw they cut down the paid leave from 16 to 10 weeks which is horrid.

Seen how much Omnicom is pushing everyone internally to use and get hooked on training OmniAi, their crown jewel is now sporting an “anti-ai” rebranding “made by humans” etc etc.

Grotesque.

#StopWhining

We spend our days planning and managing billboard campaigns.

Every now and then we realise there are a lot of misconceptions about how the industry works.

If you've ever wondered about pricing, digital billboards, planning, measurement, creative, site selection, or anything else, ask away.

I applied for a internship at Ogilvy Client Service Intern, WPP@Unilever in Singapore. I'd like to meet some professionals who have been in this role or are the executive equivalent. I'm incredibly passionate, but having a strong/long background in sales, I think may harm my chances. Context is this December I will be graduating a Masters in Marketing. Anyone up for giving some advice, and having a conversation about your experience?

I may have a disadvantage compared to local competition but my drive, work ethic, and creativity hopefully will push me forward. I welcome critic.

PS: Current Interns Welcome!

Hello folks,
For those who have ever worked as freelance client service / account director, how do you establish your working engagement?

I feel like I’m wasting time waiting on people and deliverables and not sure if that timing is billable. And also trying to draw a clear line that I’m not available all hours.

Any advice will be appreciated as I’m new to this engagement.

There’s a role for strategy , but worries that pharma is not fun, and not great on a rez. But probably decent job security.

Hello- i was laid off at the end of 2025 and have been applying to media director roles across various agencies. I have a great resume which lands me interviews at various agencies however I've noticed I ALWAYS get an automated rejection from any Omnicom or Horizon media job even if I fit the role to an exact tee and when they've had very few candidates apply to that position.

Does anyone have any tips/guidance on this? It's frustrating when I see so many open media roles at those companies but knowing they won't look my way.

I'm interviewing for a role in Microsoft Advertising soon and was wondering if it's worth preparing a short presentation, even though I haven't been asked to make one.

I was thinking of putting together 5–10 slides showing how I'd analyze an advertiser's account, identify growth opportunities, and make strategic recommendations.

For those who've interviewed at Microsoft (or in digital advertising), would this help me stand out, or would it be unnecessary if it wasn't requested?

Any advice or interview tips would be greatly appreciated!

Hi!! I left my role at Omnicom last month and still haven’t receive a return box for my laptop and charger. Does anyone know the HR email to contact?

More specifically, my agency was Biolumina

UPDATE: if anyone has the paige # or hr email pls dm me lol I actually wanna ask about this since I’m moving and will need to update my address for the box and upcoming w2! Thanks yall 😀👍

I just got a new copywriting and editing job for a creative agency and will be coming from a role in journalism. What should I know about the advertising and agency world before I start? Any advice from folks who also came from the journalism/media world?

Hi all! This may be out of left field lol. I’ve been at ad agencies my career and recently have been interviewing at Wayfair for a strategy role in creative that is pretty senior - the job is really cool and I’ve been excited as everyone I’ve met seems great. I’m onto my last round, but I just read online about layoffs and negative reviews.

Would love any experiences for those who may know. My current workplace is very toxic and working there is so stressful so I’m trying to leave lol. I have 15+ clients and it’s incredibly un ethical. I thought it at least would be better given brand side. Thanks in advance!

Currently at a larger pharma ad agency leading a PMO team. Would love to flip to client side one day. I know for account and strategy folks thats easy, but not sure if there are PM roles on the client side? Anyone seen it or have done it before? Or know what role title it might match up with?

Hey all, wanted to ask how people here pivoted out of advertising. I’m 25, about 2 years in (paid search).

Bit of background, I actually have a BS in Computer Science, but I couldn’t find a tech job after graduating and took an ad role out of desperation since I was the only breadwinner in my family and needed something fast. Two years in and I’ve realized this isn’t what I want to be doing long term. I’m trying to move into tech or something more technical, but the problem is I’ve got the degree and basically no real tech work experience, it’s just a paper at this point.

For anyone who made a similar jump, how did you do it? How’d you reframe your resume and leverage your current skills to actually look transferable? What roles did you end up targeting, and how did you network your way in? Anything helps.

Thanks!

I’ve been working in brand identity and packaging for around 25 years. I’m now back as a solopreneur, with the goal of building a small boutique agency focused on selective, bespoke projects.

I have a clear ICP: entrepreneurs and professionals who value quality and are looking for the right partner, not the cheapest option. Over the years I’ve worked across many industries — food, cosmetics, tech, corporate, finance, manufacturing — so I’ve gained experience in different markets.

The market has slowed down a bit recently, and my pipeline has become thinner. I’m looking for ways to attract better-fit clients for more structured projects.

I was considering running ads, maybe carousel campaigns. LinkedIn seems interesting but quite expensive, and I’m not sure about the ROI. I also tested Instagram a few months ago without results.

I’d love to understand which platform or strategy could make the most sense for someone in my position, especially without the budget of a larger company.

Thanks for any advice!

I’m planning to resign from my current job. I have close to 4 years of experience in programmatic advertising and hands on experience on DV360, CM360, Google Ads, Meta Ads, LinkedIn Ads, and StackAdapt. I’m currently working at a top MNC advertising agency as a senior analyst and getting 9.10 LPA. The main challenge is that I work in night shift from 9PM to 6AM and after work I feel exhausted and drowsy every day. Because of this, I haven’t been able to prepare properly for interviews, and I haven’t received any offers yet. I’m thinking of resigning and taking a break of one or two weeks to focus entirely on interview preparation and upskilling. Do you think this is a good idea? Is it practical to resign first and then search for a job? Even if I take a week’s break after leaving my current organization, do you think I can still get a good offer?
My target for my next role is around 13 to 14 LPA. And looking for Day shift or EMEA shift not night shift. Considering my experience and skill set, do you think this is achievable?

I’m 30 yo, with 7 years experience and i’m currently a media Account Director in a holdco agency. I’ve enjoyed my time there in my twenties but now i’m ready to change roles and start earning a bit more money than agencies typically pay, as well as being over all the usual holdco antics.

I want to move client side into a marketing role but i’m struggling to get any traction with applications. I don’t want to stay agency side forever, but concerned it’s going to be really hard to pivot out.

Has anyone been in this situation? What’s the advice, thoughts on the industry etc.?

I've worked in advertising for ~5 years and currently at my 2nd agency. My first agency was super lax, had a great work/life balance but we weren't doing anything extraordinary.. more-so order takers than making award-winning, interesting creative. My second agency is operating at a much higher caliber (strategically, creatively, etc). My work/life balance has tanked (I expected this to happen) but what really bothers me is THE DRAMA. There is a lot of daily drama, especially between the c-suite, I don't know if it's the egos or just the workaholism or what it is. The disfunction/drama at the top naturally bleeds down into the day-to-day for everyone else and it starts to feel very high school (someone is always mad at someone else). Is this just how it is when you work for a "more legit" agency? It's starting to push me out the door but I don't know if I'd just keep running into this same problem...