As the talent drain worsens, don’t undervalue experience
Even though the industry is facing a talent drain, it isn’t a reason to hire employees in roles they aren’t quite yet qualified for, says Georgina Leslie. In fact, doing so could have serious negative ramifications on your agency, and on their career.
One of the biggest issues our industry is facing at the moment is the talent drain. As we slowly return to some semblance of normality at work after two heavily interrupted years due to COVID, we’re discovering that, all of a sudden, some of the best and brightest appear to have disappeared.
Some were part of the ‘great resignation’ and have presumably found bliss living out their new career and lifestyle. Others were people from overseas who went home during the pandemic and have decided not to return to Australia.
Whatever the reason, we are facing a lack of people who have the ability and experience to fill in many of the better-paid, more senior roles in our agencies.
Yep, the good old days of media agencies are coming back soon… any day now… certainly not an industry with a moribund culture, caused by over work and under pay, of staff being asked to do more with less every year, as all the elements that make it fun are eroded by budget cuts and cookie cutter corporate beliefs and values.
The best and brightest must surely be lining up to shuffle TARPs and write strategies the client ignores. They’re not deterred by the multiple articles on Mumbrella about wide spread industry burn out and mental health issues.
Personally I used to love it, but I got out because I didn’t like trying to do a good job in an environment designed to make that difficult, did the work to move into another industry and am having a great time, thanks. Not sure if I’m an imposter, just doing what a lot of successful people have done and taking chances on my ability to work out a job while doing it.
Kids in media agencies, I’d like to suggest an alternative to this opinion, for those with the stomach for it; that you get in to the most senior job you can, any way you can, and get as many dollars as possible. Put your mind to it and you’ll have the job sussed in 3-6 months; it’s far from rocket science. If it all goes belly up, it is very difficult for your bosses to fire you, and as the article states, everyone is desperate for staff, so you’ll have no problem getting a new gig. Many people have had successful and lucrative careers by taking on jobs they are not qualified for. And reputations, good and bad, have a short lifespan in an industry with 50% turn over.
Dear alternate opinion,
Clearly you’ve experienced this yourself and let me tell you… enjoy it while it lasts. The market will change, good talent will come back (domestically and overseas) and natural selection will do its job: the mediocre ones like you will get fired and those who truly love this industry will be both thankful and relieved.
Make the most of your imposter life and extra dollars – but most importantly, do something meaningful with the cash and start thinking about the right career for you.
No one who has left the industry is coming back. The grass is greener everywhere else. The media industry just has a bunch of broken down cars on the nature strip gathering rust while weeds grow around it.