Working in the ad industry, the phrase “Agency Life” is often thrown around to describe long days, fast-paced work, and same-day deadlines. It is a way for us to come to terms with the hard work required by our industry: It’s “agency life.” But there are many benefits to this life as well: it tends to be more casual and fun—a reward to the endless projects and client needs. We may work hard, but we can also play just as hard.
So, when this agency life becomes too much, what can we do to stay sane? Here are a few things to consider when you feel like you are drowning in the ad pool.
Take Five
Five minutes can make a huge difference when the world around you seems like it’s on fire. Step away from your computer and take a short walk to calm your mind. It will help you de-stress and give you a respite from screen time. This can help replenish your creative reservoir.
Set Boundaries
Working from home, the lines can become blurred between work life and home life. It’s important to set boundaries and make sure that work doesn’t become your life. Even if there are hot projects with hard deadlines, set yourself up for success by setting your priorities for the day. Time management is your best friend when it comes to keeping your boundaries intact. Designating a physical space at home can also help set your mental workspace. When the day is done, close the laptop and walk away from your desk. Sometimes the physical act of walking away can be like a weight being lifted.
Have Fun with It
As stressful as agency life can be, always remind yourself to have fun while doing it. Remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, usually accompanied by beers and dogs. Even if you are working on reporting or are on Version 11 of a project that was due two days ago, there is always something to look forward to. Company outings and team builders are meant to reward you and celebrate all the badass work that you do for the team.
You’re Not Alone
Agencies tend to bring a sense of family to the workplace which makes it easy to bond with your coworkers. Like you, they have all been in stressful situations and are there to lean on when the going gets tough. They cannot only help you stay sane, but also help you get through it, setting you (and the whole team) up for success. We’re all in this together!
So, cheers to the agency life and all the ups and downs that come with it. At the end of the day, you are still in one of the coolest industries there is. I mean, we have dogs and beers in the fridge, what more could you ask for?
