I'm usually pretty anti-agency but I think they can be good if you are able to be very selective (most people aren't in a position to be)

- If you are are into B2C, really want to get out into that world, right out of school find the biggest, best brand to work on - ideally in-house but an agency could be ok if you are in the line of fire of a major, major account.

- if you are a typical grad with no idea and you get that B2B job, take it, stay there 3-5 years and learn the ropes, maybe get promoted to a director role, vs taking the agency job that seems like fun but will just be a chaos whirlwind.

- In mid-career (35-45) you should try to move up the food chain a bit in role / title, but better to be in a good company with good benefits that treats you well. Big brands can be a safe haven and ideally they want you most at this point

- 40-45 if you are still in agencies you'd better own the place or have some sort of permanent stake in it, else you are better off taking a hit to join a startup, brand etc, something with upside,ideally you own a home by now and have some savings and you are less dependent on some job for your survival. If you are a brand you are likely a director moving around every so many years or an individual contributor. This is the point a lot of people start burning out on corporate life

- 50+ you are either in a senior level role and hanging on for dear life or a partner in something. Consulting is becoming and option because you are starting to see the time really slip away. But agencies often are looking for folks like you, if you can take lower pay you can keep working. Ideally at this point you are starting to plan your second act which may or may not involve full time employment