My Life in advertising

Senior Associate at Starcom Mediavest, Dubai walks us through a typical workday at the agency. 7.30 am: My brain wakes up half an hour before the alarm goes off. I grab my phone, SMS my family a “good morning” message and go through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In my head, I already started planning my day. Conference call with our central team in Paris at noon, late lunch with the client, and afternoon meetings with the editorial teams to discuss brand collaborations. I’m in a desperate need to go to the hair and nail salon, but it’s strategy season for us, which means long hours with little sleep. 7.50 am: My best friend calls me as part of our morning ritual. We update each other briefly on our days and discuss imaginary diet plans. 8.50 am: I’m at my desk before my colleagues come in, which allows me to plan my day quietly as I swiftly scroll through my emails. 9.20 am: Headset on, the office starts filling up quickly. I sit with the new intern, and ask him to start working on a post campaign report. I need to get started on next year’s strategy presentation for one of our brands and need to sit with the teams in charge of the account to ensure we deliver on the objectives. 10.30 am: My mind is already overwhelmed and as I juggle between deadlines for the day and meeting preparations. I munch on thyme oat crackers as my eyes wander from time to time to the TV. The Astronaut’s wife is on. Charlize Theron and Johnny Depp. He’s sexy. I love him. OK back to work. 11.20 am: Cravings cravings! I take out the cheesecake Kit Kat I bought from a Japanese store in Mirdif. I then confirm my hair salon appointment because I most definitely can’t meet with the client looking like this. 12.03: I’m already thinking about food. I bought a salad that I’m definitely eating at my desk. 2.00 pm: After having had my lunch, I begin working on next year’s plan while fighting the urge to fall asleep at my desk. 15:00 pm: I’m back from the client’s meeting and think of the advantages of having built a solid relationship with them over the years as I head back from Emirates Towers to Knowledge Village. 17:00 pm: It’s almost done and my mind struggles whether I should head to the gym or go home and rest. I'm trying to finalise all I can before the suppliers head home. 19.00: As the employees start leaving, I am no longer focused on the screen imagining myself on my lazy chair watching a TV series. After I decide to head home, I switch off the laptop and grab my keys. 19.30: Hessa St. is jam packed. 23.30: Once home, I have dinner, shower, water the plants, and talk to my parents. While watching ‘Orange Is the New Black’, my mind goes blank as sleep takes over.