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Off my last tweet: let’s talk money and getting paid what you’re worth. I didn’t realise just how much more I could, or SHOULD, be earning till I left my last agency. And it made me wonder just how many people were/are in the same position who could be earning a shit-ton more. 
At my last job, after slogging my guts out for a year on $55k pre-tax, I asked for a promotion and a raise to $85k. My creative boss said yes, but my non-creative boss said no. She said $85k was ‘for VERY experienced seniors or ACDs,’ which I knew was incorrect.
I’d done research + read the books on how to ask for more money. I’d made a deck. I’d outlined all my achievements; pitch wins; awards; campaigns; going beyond my job; being on juries; doing talks; positive press etc. Apparently it wasn’t enough. But I knew my value was higher.
I’ve been working with #realagencysalaries as a copywriter for the majority of this year, so I knew what I could be earning and what others at the same place and same city were on. I just didn’t know why I was being told no. I still don’t.
Being able to change jobs is a privilege and is not a possibility for many people. It’s heavy, hard, impractical due to lack of savings (a savings acc being a privilege) and the wage gap between not just gender, but race, as a barrier to this too. Important to be mindful of this.
I was forced out/let go for reasons I still don’t know. But I got to reassess my value. I interviewed with another Chicago agency for a senior role and asked for $95-100k. They said ‘cool’ and didn’t bat an eyelid. Another place was the same. Then I interviewed with NYC agencies.
Obvs a city jump impact this. But I now earn 120% more than I did at the first place.
I wanted to write this thread after I was messaged by someone who was offered a shockingly low salary – that of a junior – by a Chicago agency. She’s worth so much more and thankfully she knows it.
It was WONDERFUL interviewing with my current agency and having open and transparent convos with our brilliant recruiter about salary and worth. We landed on a number we’re both happy with/agreed on and you know what? It feels fucking great. This. Is. My. Value. And they see it.
For anyone in Chicago who wants/needs advice on salary, or wonders if they’re underpaid, I’d be really happy to chat and help if I can. DM me. For New Yorkers, I can direct you to my creative pals there. Brits, check out the Major Players Salary Survey.
And here’s the link to the Real Agency Salaries spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11obKJpckWJNyEYPdhHM0iaGp0x4QoVk_7aitRC5zVlc/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=112458109816529783403
When I say 'in the same position' in tweet 1, I don't mean at that agency. I mean everywhere.
