How has your career changed over time?

I work as a digital marketing manager in the music industry, making $65K. Honestly, I don’t love it because of the crazy environment, constant deadlines with short turnarounds, and horrible work-life balance (I’m doing 50+ hours a week with no overtime :cry:).

I know digital marketing can pay well, but I’m trying to figure out how to grow my career and build better skills here.

How has your career grown in digital marketing? Have you been able to maintain work-life balance? I feel like I’ve convinced myself that everyone is unhappy at work. What’s your take?

Why not start your own business and put your marketing skills to good use?

I actually love my job, especially the difference I feel it makes. I think the reason I’ve managed to keep a good work-life balance is because I’m not in a managerial role.

Are you sure digital marketing is what you want long term? Maybe think about starting something on your own instead. There are so many ways to do that nowadays.

I feel like working for someone else can sometimes drain you more than it fulfills you. But hey, that’s just my view.

I know the feeling of nonstop deadlines and burnout. I went through something similar but eventually transitioned into freelancing. It’s not always perfect, but having control over my time and choosing clients has helped me get some balance.

Have you thought about freelancing or working for companies that actually care about their employees’ well-being?

@Caden
That’s helpful! I did some freelancing when I first graduated. Would it be okay if I messaged you to ask for advice?

Zyler said:
@Caden
That’s helpful! I did some freelancing when I first graduated. Would it be okay if I messaged you to ask for advice?

Sure, feel free to reach out anytime. I’ll do my best to help!

My first job was scooping ice cream. I stuck with the same company for 13 years and eventually became a senior operations manager for the last 6 years there. But I finally realized they’d never treat me the way I deserved, so I left.

Luckily, I had a mentor who offered to teach me email marketing in exchange for helping her with her freelance clients. I worked with her for about six months while also getting a couple of free certifications.

From there, I got my first full-time marketing job and quickly moved up. I went from Marketing Operations Executive to Digital Marketing Automation Manager within two years. Now, I’m a Marketing Operations Manager making almost double what I did back when I ran a small factory.

I know I was fortunate to find a company that offers remote work, flexible hours, personal development, and a healthy work-life balance. I genuinely enjoy the strategy and planning I get to do, as well as the people I work with.

I’m in digital marketing too, but I work in the satellite communications industry. I make about half of what you’re earning.

I’ve been a copywriter for years, and I love it because it’s my passion. Lately, I’ve started taking a local lead generation course focused on the rank-and-rent model to create another income stream.

In our industry, I think it’s smart to keep learning and adding skills so we don’t get replaced by AI in the future.