Career Crossroads: Should I Launch My Own Desk with High Earning Potential or Join a Larger Agency with Development Opportunities?
I find myself at a pivotal moment in my recruitment career and would greatly appreciate your advice.
Currently, I’m with a small recruitment firm that spun off from a team in our office. The environment is straightforward, focusing primarily on phone calls and deals without much emphasis on aspects like speccing, personal branding, or client meetings, which I valued in previous roles. Each one of us manages our own territory and reports directly to the directors, meaning there’s no team leadership or defined career progression. This year has been particularly challenging, with top billers projected to earn between £120k and £150k, and historically, earnings haven’t exceeded £175k. Personally, I’ve billed £45k since April.
My company is giving me the opportunity to establish a new desk in the life sciences sector, which has much higher earning potential and genuinely interests me. However, I would be starting from scratch with no existing client base or team—essentially building my success independently. The concern is that, being only two years into my career, I still have much to learn. I’m fearful of not receiving the structured training and mentorship I need, which could hinder my growth and limit my long-term potential.
On the other hand, I have the option to join a larger agency that boasts a team of high-performing billers, structured training, and a clearer path for advancement. The downside is a commute of at least two hours each way (although they offer hybrid working arrangements that I currently don’t have), but this would grant me more day-to-day flexibility. If I find it suits me well, I could eventually consider relocating closer.
So here lies my dilemma: Does the success of a recruitment career depend more on the company you work for, or is it primarily about the individual’s efforts? Should I take the plunge and build my own desk for potential gains, or should I join a larger agency to learn from seasoned billers and benefit from a solid support system?
I’d be grateful for any insights or experiences from those who have faced a similar decision. Thank you for your thoughts!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re at a pivotal moment in your career, and both options have their merits and challenges. Here are some thoughts to consider that might help you weigh your options:
Learning and Development: Given that you’ve mentioned you’re still early in your career and want to grow, a larger agency with structured training and mentorship could provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills that might benefit you in the long run. Learning from experienced recruiters can accelerate your growth and help you develop best practices that could be invaluable in the future.
Earnings and Independence: On the flip side, building your own desk in life sciences could lead to significant earnings if you succeed. If you feel passionately about this sector and have a strong plan for developing new clients, this could allow you to carve out a niche for yourself. However, it’s important to be realistic about the learning curve and the time it may take to establish yourself.
Quality of Life: The two-hour commute for the larger agency is substantial, and it’s vital to consider how this will impact your work-life balance. If the hybrid model can mitigate some of that commute, it might make the transition more manageable.
Risk vs. Reward: Starting a new desk is undoubtedly a risk, especially without an existing client base. Ask yourself if you’re comfortable with that risk and whether you have a plan to mitigate potential challenges—like networking in the life sciences space or reaching out to potential clients early on.
Long-term Vision: Think about where you see yourself in five years. Do you envision being a high-billing independent recruiter, or do you prefer advancing within a structured organization? Your long-term career goals should play a significant role in your decision.
Seek Guidance: If possible, reach out to mentors or industry contacts. They may offer invaluable insights based on their experiences that could help you make a more informed decision.
Ultimately, think about what aligns most closely with your career aspirations, learning style, and lifestyle preferences. Whether you choose to build your own desk or join a larger agency, ensure that you are genuinely excited about the path you choose. Good luck!