After working four years as a freelance copywriter, I’ve finally decided to join the other team and become part of a marketing agency. That’s right – I’m going from working for myself to working “for the man.”

I won’t say that benefits and a regular paycheck didn’t affect my decision. More than that, though, I wanted to play a larger role in the marketing process.

In just four years, I’ve gone from someone who hated marketing to someone who can’t get enough. And while I’ve tried to position myself as a marketing consultant to get more hands-on experience, it hasn’t been working well.

Then a client  mentioned that his company was looking for a full-time copywriter. I didn’t apply at first, because I’m quite comfortable setting my own schedule and working in my pajamas. Then I toured the office, and fell in love.

Sure, it had cubicles and fluorescent lighting. But it also had murals and a film studio and employees who seemed to really like their jobs. I realized that perhaps working at a marketing agency would be a good step for this stage in my career.

I eventually applied, and I’ll start full-time employment at the beginning of January. I go back and forth between feeling really excited and really nervous. I can’t wait to start working among other human beings, but I also worry that I’ll miss my dog. (She sleeps on my lap while I type.)

Most people are happy for me. Others – well, I know they mean well when they refer to it as my “first real job.”

The “Sort Of” – And What You Can Expect

One of the nice conditions about this job is that I can continue freelancing. I’ll just have to become extra-exclusive about the copywriting projects I take on, because I’ll have less time.

I’ll also continue blogging here at One Woman Marketing, and I don’t expect the focus of my posts will change much. People still view marketing as a necessary evil, so I’m still on a mission to prove that marketing doesn’t have to suck … whether you can afford a marketing agency or you’re a one-person marketing department.

If you have any copywriting needs you’ve been meaning to talk to me about, December is a great month to do it. And if you have any tips for returning to the office life, please leave them in the comments section below. I’d love to hear them.