Hey all, I’ve been working in web agencies for years now. Not using site builders (obviously I’ve had to use them at times but I don’t love it), building custom themes from scratch with PHP/HTML/JS etc., custom plugins, interesting client needs, some Shopify development, design work, all the standard digital agency drudgery.

I’m starting to get pretty disillusioned and would like a new challenge (and a salary increase). I’m currently in a pretty well-paid agency, earning around $70,000 a year.

I’ve worked briefly with React, Angular, GraphQL, Vue, but not in a full-time capacity. Is React/Node the path I should be looking towards if I want to make more cash and have a bit more security? I’m safe in my current role, but I’m bored and frustrated.

Also… is there any way to be in this industry and not be constantly pestered about AI? I’m honestly sick to death of hearing about ChatGPT or Claude, lol

Thanks!

  • podperson@lemm.ee
    2·
    25 days ago

    I can speak from experience: working on the agency side the pay is insanely low. Switch to the client side and while the work isn’t as interesting or fun, you’ll get a huge pay increase.

    • rayquetzalcoatl@feddit.ukOP
      1·
      25 days ago

      When you say client side, what do you mean? I’ve worked in-house and for agencies, and the in-house pay was fine but not markedly more or less than agencies for similar roles (although it was less stressful).

      • etchinghillside@reddthat.com
        2·
        24 days ago

        I would interpret that as in-house.

        To get a pay bump you’re probably going to want to be looking at Frontend Engineer roles in a tech/SAAS company. Skim through some job descriptions for those to see what is in demand. (React is probably involved.)

        • podperson@lemm.ee
          1·
          24 days ago

          Exactly - in-house (the companies your agency used to do projects for). I think I got an immediate 40k bump going from advertising (an interactive agency) to healthcare.