Have you left a consulting agency (advertising, research, PR) for an association? What's it like?

[Anonymous]

I've only ever worked on the agency side. There are perks (leading clients, smart colleagues) but I've never done anything else and am ready for something new. Have and interview at an association and it seems appealing but I'm worried about what it'll feel like to move from an agency where I'm surrounded by 50+ people who do what I do to an association where there are 1 - 3 people. Anyone done it? What are the tradeoffs? (I know it all depends heavily on what agency, what association, and what role - but I'm interested in hearing your experience). Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I made this move in my mid-20s and found association life to be too slow and understimulating for me at that point. I spent that two years running laps around my coworkers and really not being rewarded for it and quickly ended up back on the agency side.

Now in my mid-30s with an infant, I can see how that type of change would be appealing, but it would be way too big of a pay cut at this point I think.

[Anonymous]

I have never done it for the exact reasons you're worried about. It depends on what you really want. After years working at agencies and client-side where things are constantly hectic and I'm expected to be available all the time, I do feel like a more calm environment would be nice. But I am also considering a family in the next few years, so a slower schedule is more appealing.