Switched from client-side to agency-side, now I am questioning it - Advice needed

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all well! :)

I’ve been in digital marketing since 2018, working full-time since 2021, and stepped into a managerial role in 2023, reporting directly to the CMO. I was responsible for the entire biddable media strategy, managing an exec and making strategic decisions with minimal oversight. Although the pace was generally steady, I ultimately returned to an agency role because the in-house position felt too slow for me.

Now, I’m working for a major marketing agency on one of the world’s biggest brands. While I’m gaining valuable experience, I often feel more like a task executor than a true account manager, as most decisions go through “ADs” and “BDs” first. This setup is quite different from my previous role, where I had direct access to the CMO and more autonomy.

I made the switch to boost my CV with a high-profile client and for more challenging work, but I find myself tied up in busywork rather than strategic contributions. My long-term goal is to freelance more, but this role leaves little room for it.

What’s your advice here? Has anyone been through something similar and found a good path forward?