Getting a job these days feels like trying to win a game show. Actually, some folks even compare it to dating because it’s just something that feels next to impossible to even properly succeed. It’s wild to think, but yeah, there seems to be a lot of truth in it.
Basically, employers swipe left faster than you can say “CV”, tossing candidates aside for the tiniest, most ridiculous reasons. Not enough experience? Swipe. Skills a little too broad? Swipe. Fonts not fancy enough? Swipe. It’s enough to make you want to scream into the void, right?
So many people are dealing with this too, so how can you get a job if it seems like it’s impossible to get a job? Impossible to get your dream career? But why not instead just look into starting your own small-scale business?
No really, just think about it this way; if employers aren’t giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills, sometimes the best move is to create that opportunity yourself. A lot of people will even look into an agency (which can be super small scale) since this provides that you’re capable of work. Plus, it gives you the experience to take charge.
Besides, in a job market that can feel like an absolute circus, launching something of your own is the mic drop that makes you stand out. But how?
Prove You’ve Got Leadership Written All Over You
Employers are obsessed with leadership skills. They want someone who’ll take charge, get stuff done, and make decisions without needing a babysitter. But here’s the catch: if you’re not being given opportunities to lead, how exactly are you meant to prove you’ve got it in you?
It’s a bit like asking someone to bake a cake without flour. If you run your own business, you are the leader starting on day one, and you easily grow into this role as well, meaning that taking charge doesn’t become so scary.
Results Speak Louder Than Buzzwords
You need to keep in mind that hiring managers want results. They want to know what you’ve done, not what you think you could do. But what’s the problem here? Well, it’s getting those big, juicy results, and yeah, it can feel impossible when you’re stuck in roles that don’t let you take ownership of anything meaningful. Plus, not all employers will let you see results either. It’s not your fault though!
But starting your own agency changes that. Suddenly, you’re running the show. You’re delivering projects, growing revenue, managing clients—and every single win is your win. You know the results every day, they’re not hidden from you!
You’re Making Recruiters Sit Up and Take Notice
When you’re up against hundreds of other candidates, blending in is the fastest way to lose out. Plus, with AI (which is super heatless), it just means that it’s even more challenging to stand out. Now, you need something that makes recruiters stop mid-swipe and say, “Hang on a second…”
Even if you’re not actively applying to jobs, you can still get their attention (such as through a LinkedIn post), and that can help a lot too. Just think of it this way; it’s not just about what you’ve done, it’s about the fact that you had the confidence to do it.
Plus, running an agency means you’ve already faced challenges that most employees never have. There are things like adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, and yeah, you’ve ticked all the boxes. For the most part, the type of agency doesn’t matter either, like a social media agency, a small creative business, or even something like an OnlyFans agency, the skills you gained translate to any role. Employers notice that kind of grit.
You’ll Learn Skills You Didn’t Even Know You Needed
Okay, now here’s something else; starting an agency isn’t just about proving yourself to others, it’s also about what you’ll learn along the way. You’re not just doing one job; you’re doing all the jobs. Marketing? Check. Client management? Check. Finances, sales, problem-solving? Triple check. Just think of it this way; it’s like boot camp for your career.
Expand Your Network (and Open New Doors)
You know what they say: it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Well, starting your own agency naturally puts you in front of new people, like clients, collaborators, industry experts, and even competitors. Then suddenly, you’re building a network of contacts who might just hold the key to your next big opportunity.
Confidence That Carries You Further
Finally, it’s time to talk about the confidence boost. So, for starters, getting an agency started is no walk in the park, but it’s an experience that changes you. You learn to trust your decisions, handle setbacks, and celebrate successes, even the small ones. So then, by the time you’re ready to step into a traditional role, you’re not just a better professional, you’re a stronger, more confident one.
