u/Vegetable-Tax-2803

Curious what people here think of the digital marketing space right now, and whether a standard agency job actually sets you up for a good future long term or if it's kind of a ceiling.

Quick background: started on the supply side, recently moved agency side into a senior role. I'm specialized in programmatic and now getting into search and social too (2+ years in).

Few things I'd love people's take on:

1. Where's the actual money in this industry: supply side, agency side, client side, or just going independent at some point? If you've been doing this longer than me, how'd you land where you are, or did you bounce around a lot before it clicked?
2. How are you guys actually finding freelance work on the side? Programmatic is annoying to freelance since most of the tech needs an agency or client seat, so I haven't figured it out yet. Curious what's worked for people even in other parts of marketing.
3. I like where I'm at right now, but the 9-6 thing makes me want out eventually. For anyone further along, is there anything you wish you did earlier so you didn't feel stuck?
4. Any certs/skills that actually made a difference for you, or is it mostly just experience and who you know at this point?

Appreciate any honesty, even if it's not what I want to hear. Thanks!