The allure of agency life can be strong: fast-paced work, diverse projects, and a vibrant office culture. But for many professionals, the drawbacks eventually outweigh the benefits, leading them to consider a move to an in-house role in the pharmaceutical industry. Here are 14 compelling reasons to make the switch:
1. The "Annoying Clients" Problem
In an agency, you’re constantly at the mercy of clients who may not understand the creative or strategic process. Whether it’s unrealistic demands, contradictory feedback, or micromanagement, dealing with difficult clients can drain your energy and enthusiasm. Moving in-house eliminates the client-agency dynamic, giving you more ownership and alignment with internal stakeholders.
2. Unclear Briefs Lead to Frustration
How often have you received a brief that’s riddled with ambiguity, forcing you to play detective before even starting the work? In-house teams tend to have better access to the information you need, resulting in clearer direction and less guesswork.
3. Lower Salaries and Benefits
While agency life might seem glamorous, the pay often doesn’t reflect the effort. In-house roles, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, typically offer higher salaries, better benefits, and more stability. This financial security can be a game-changer for your long-term career.
4. You're Far Removed from Patients and Strategy
Working in an agency can feel like you’re stuck in a bubble, removed from the end-users—patients. In-house roles in pharma bring you closer to the core mission of improving patient outcomes. You’re also more likely to be involved in shaping strategy rather than just executing someone else’s vision.
5. Lack of Control Over Workload and Projects
In an agency, you’re often juggling multiple clients and projects, leaving little room for deep focus. Moving in-house allows you to dedicate your energy to a single brand or therapeutic area, providing more control over your workload and the quality of your output.
6. Last-Minute Annoying Requests
The infamous "can you just tweak this one thing?" email at 9 PM is a hallmark of agency life. In-house teams, while not immune to urgency, tend to have better planning and less chaotic last-minute requests.
7. Burnout from Long Hours
Agencies are notorious for demanding long hours, often without additional compensation. In contrast, in-house roles often provide a better work-life balance, with structured hours and a more sustainable pace.
8. Lack of Career Progression Opportunities
Agencies often have flat structures, making it difficult to climb the ladder. Pharmaceutical companies typically offer more defined career paths, with opportunities to specialize, lead, and grow within the organisation.
9. You're a Vendor, Not a Partner
In an agency, you’re often treated as a vendor rather than a strategic partner. This transactional relationship can be frustrating, especially when your expertise is undervalued. In-house roles allow you to be a part of the team, with your input carrying more weight.
10. Opportunities for Continuous Learning
Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in employee development, offering training and resources to stay at the cutting edge of the industry. Agencies, on the other hand, often prioritise client deliverables over employee growth.
11. The Chance to Specialise
In an agency, you’re expected to be a jack-of-all-trades, which can dilute your expertise. In-house roles allow you to specialie in a specific therapeutic area or function, making you a true expert in your field.
12. Closer Alignment with Patient-Centric Goals
If you’re passionate about healthcare and making a difference, an in-house pharma role allows you to align your work with your values. You’ll feel more connected to the mission of improving lives rather than just delivering campaigns.
13. Fewer Creative Compromises
In agencies, your work is often subject to layers of approval from clients who may not fully understand the creative process. In-house roles provide a more cohesive decision-making process, allowing you to maintain the integrity of your work.
14. A Clearer Focus on Long-Term Impact
In-house roles in pharma emphasize long-term goals, such as patient outcomes and brand development. This is a refreshing change from the short-term, campaign-driven mindset often found in agencies.
Making the leap from an agency to an in-house role in pharma isn’t just a career move—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. From better work-life balance and financial rewards to a deeper connection with your work, the benefits are clear. If you’re tired of the agency grind, it might be time to explore opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector.
Are you ready to take the plunge? Your future self—and your sanity—will thank you.
Book a free 15-min discovery call to find out more.
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