What do you do if you're torn between working in-house or for an agency in commercial design?

1 Pros of In-House

Working in-house means you'll become deeply familiar with a single brand, allowing you to craft a cohesive and evolving visual identity over time. You'll likely experience a sense of stability and have the opportunity to deeply understand the ins and outs of one industry. This can lead to a strong alignment with the company's goals and potentially result in a more predictable workflow and clearer career progression within the organization.

3 Consider Culture

The work culture between in-house and agency settings can differ greatly. In-house positions may offer a more predictable schedule, fostering work-life balance. Agencies often have a more intense pace, with the potential for long hours during project crunch times. Consider what kind of environment energizes you and aligns with your lifestyle needs. Reflect on whether you prefer a singular focus or if the buzz of agency life is more your speed.

4 Career Growth

Career growth opportunities can vary between in-house and agency roles. In-house designers might advance into leadership roles within the same company, while agency designers often gain a breadth of experience that can be leveraged for higher positions either within the agency or externally. Assess your long-term career aspirations and decide which path aligns with your professional growth goals.

5 Financial Factors

Financial considerations are important when choosing between in-house and agency work. In-house roles may offer more stability with fixed salaries and benefits. Agencies might provide performance-based incentives but can also come with less job security. Weigh your financial needs and preferences for steady income against the potential for varied earning opportunities at an agency.

6 Personal Fit

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal fit. Reflect on your working style, preferences for collaboration versus autonomy, and how you manage stress and deadlines. Consider where you see yourself being most productive and fulfilled. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and many designers find their niche by trying out both environments before settling on the one that feels right.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?