- Management seemed far more focused on admin processes than actual marketing performance. Missing notes in one of several systems could lead to being heavily criticised, even when client work was completed well.
- The role often felt more like account administration and client management than digital marketing. A huge amount of time was spent on admin, reporting, and handling unhappy clients, leaving little room for meaningful strategic work.
- Strategy review meetings could feel unnecessarily negative and were sometimes led by people with little practical marketing experience.
- Career progression felt inconsistent. I was told I needed larger accounts to progress to a senior position, but those opportunities were repeatedly given elsewhere despite me having relevant experience.
- Annual salary reviews were promised but had to be chased. I was told there was no budget for even a modest pay rise while workloads and client numbers continued increasing.
- Concerns raised about workload or processes were often dismissed with comments about improving admin instead.
- Work-life balance became difficult. I regularly worked very long days to keep clients happy, and the effort only seemed recognised after I handed in my notice.
I personally wouldn’t return.