Sometimes I call candidates to sell them on a certain position and they are quite content to stay just where they are. “No thank you. I’m happy here…”

This is usually the case when they have been at their current position for less than 1 year.

It’s the honeymoon stage of the relationship. Flaws, transgressions, wrongdoings are all at a minimum or are not visible to the creative. They are challenged, happy and full of life.

Other times I hear a desperate voice on the other end of the phone. They are gainfully employed and making money but they are ready to jump ship.

Why?

I hear the same reasons for discontent over and over again.

I’m under-appreciated.
No one is listening to me.
I’m bored.
I’m not learning anything.

For true creatives, while money is part of the equation, their satisfaction primarily stems from their work or work environment. The excitement of working at a new agency is what thrills them. New accounts, new strategies, new brains to pick.

I’m never going to say it’s a hindrance to my job that creatives are unhappy. But I will say that putting these concepts in place will not only keep ALL employees happy, it will also attract better talent. And that will make my job easier.
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