u/Flat_Fly_7647

I’ve heard, and said, this phrase a million times — job hopping is part of the industry.

But I worry I’m a walking red flag.

For context, I have a degree in advertising and have worked in media strategy for 8 years now. I’ve made my way up from intern to associate director. I’ve worked on 10 different accounts during my time.

I’m burnt tf out.

I get the Sunday scaries, the Monday blues, the Tuesday twisties, the Wednesday woes, the Thursday tireds, and even the Friday frights. I think everyday of how to get out of work. I’ve worked many times until 9 or 10pm. I’ve had clients yell at my team or make it clear they aren’t fans. I’ve had teams with no personality or camaraderie. I’ve had direct reports that can’t do their jobs or direct reports that feel they deserve my job. The levels of anxiety and depression feel like they’re getting out of hand.

All in all, I’m having a rough go.

Here’s the thing: I’ve been at 5 different agencies by now. I’ve been at small, independent agencies and the Publicis machine. My shortest stint of 7 months (left because the actual work did not match the job description or what was discussed in interviews). My longest was 3 years (left because I was told there was no room for advancement on the account but they wouldn’t move me elsewhere). Other reasons have been changing from intern to salaried or cross-country move.

All that to say, I worry that any recruiter or hiring manager would look at me and then dismiss me as someone not worth putting time into.

I’m trying to figure out what to do. I hear brand side is great, but, again, worry about my resume. I wonder if the industry is right for me, but I’ve spent time in it, it could be worse in salary and benefits (although agencies do underpay anyone below senior levels), and worry I’ve pigeon-holed myself so people won’t consider me outside of directly related media strategy roles.

I’m really not sure what to do at this point. Do I suck it up for several more years until I have a longer experience on my resume? Do I apply places on the brand side anyway and explain when/if they ask? Do I switch industries altogether? Do I go back to school for something else to find a way in so I’m not starting from scratch?

I know there are some harsh realities here; I’m just trying to sort out how to move forward. Any advice is welcome. (Sorry for the long post, just a bit desperate).

Hi all. So I have always been a dance teacher and am wondering about what to do next.

In high school, I assisted taught at the studio I grew up in. I graduated from college with a degree in dance. At one point my childhood studio owner basically offered for me to take over after college but I had to get out of that town so I moved to a big city (Chicago).

Ever since, I’ve only been a dance teacher. I’ve worked at a couple studios and right now have four of my roster, teaching about 20 classes a week. In total, I’ve worked probably 5 years professionally and 3 years pre-college as a dance teacher.

My dream is to open my own studio, but my partner is worried about viability and income. I’m confident that if anyone can do it, I can but I can tell my partner is nervous. My partner has a typical 9-5 and makes a decent salary so we aren’t in a bad spot but it’s hard to contribute a lot financially.

I’m just shy of 30 so I’m in a weird position of wanting to do it soon but need time to figure it out.

I guess my questions are:

- How long can I realistically only be a dance teacher (only source of income)?

- How much could I realistically earn as an owner?

- If I wanted to change jobs to a more typical job (ideally not a corporate 9-5), what could I do? Can I make a good salary? Do I need to do more training or school (I didn’t love school outside my dance classes)?

I know those are a lot of questions and there might be harsh realities, but I’m hoping anyone here has some gentle guidance. I want to put my partner’s mind at ease. Thanks all!