Over 40 in Advertising

Back in the game after 3 yrs on passion proj. Mid-40s. Interviewed at a small agency, nice fit, comfy vibe, but less interesting work. R u more ok w such a trade off at our age, or is that a bad move?

Any good ideas for alternate careers for a soon-to-age-out CD/AD? A friend wants to know.

With all the over 40 creative talent that exists here. How come we haven’t put together a funny and witty multi-channel campaign, that calls out the advertising industry on age discrimination?

Has anyone thought to start an Over 40 group on advertising. Will a presence like that hurt older creatives or help stop ageism?

How do you tell if you’re not being hired because of your age?
Is it something they say, or just a hunch?

Hi - I’m working on a podcast to showcase real stories of ageism, racism, and sexism in the ad industry. You will remain anonymous if you wish. If you’re interested PM me and if you have ideas on how

Had a great day today (freelance). The CD who hired me last time told me he had gone to hr to ask if I could come help out. He told him I was already here. Nice to know you’re in demand sometimes.

Was just thinking I wish Ad Age and other similar outlets would stop with these 40 under 40 30 under 30 and 50 over 50. With all the ageism it would be nice to focus on the 100 under 100 for a change.

We gonna need an IPA or ten, based on a survey of IPA agencies: average age of employees = 33.9 years; over 50s = 6.3%. BAME employees slightly up at 13.8, but only 5.5% of C-suite. Joy.

All personal variables aside: Move to SF to work at Facebook or stay in NYC and take a pay cut to go client side? Purely from a work and sanity standpoint, forget the personal variables.

I applied for a job at ThirdLove in SF. I’m definitely ‘overqualified’ but I am PERFECT for that company. I got an email back today rejecting me by a 22 year old ‘recruiter.’ I’m so sick of this!!!

Sobering question for those who have made careers in agencies: how many retirement parties have you attended? I can’t remember a single one.

Way over 40 and rocking the shit out of strategy and creative that is winning awards. Still loving being creative. You have to love this business or it will kill you.

I’ve been independent for the last 12 years. Now, I’m looking to get back into a larger agency again. What’s the best way to reach out to in-house recruiters? Email/phone/WNW/LinkedIn. Thoughts?

Just randomly realized I’ve been doing this for 20 years. Almost to the day. Oof

I have almost 20 years experience as a graphic designer (in-house and ad agency) working on big projects and brands. Would it be worth it to get a masters in design management?

Could a MBA degree help at 40yrs old creative?

After 20 years in advertising, I want out. What other career could I choose, without having a degree, but has similar pay? Is it possible? Have to stay in NY because family, wife, kids are all in NY.

Growth or stability? I declined an interesting job offer because it required to move to another city and leave behind the “stability” that my family enjoys now. But I kind of regret. Age plays a role

Anyone have any ideas for a post-advertising careers

Has anyone here sued their agency for wrongful termination/ discrimination and won? Or is it just not worth it? I feel the wheels of injustice keep spinning if I don’t do something.

I just received an offer, but also just learned I have to have a medical procedure that would make it difficult to begin a new job for the next couple of months. Should I be honest w recruiter or...?

Any tips on overcoming juvenile mean girls dynamics without playing their game?

Account ladies over 40.... I’m pondering my next 10-20 years.... How long do you plan to stay in an agency Account/Client Services roles? What would you pivot to and when?

Seriously considering going back to school and changing industries. I would probably make $100k less a year, but do something that actually helps society. Oh, and leave ageism behind. Am I crazy?

Killer high level recruiters in LA? Thanks in advance friends!

Anyone here over 40 and have a mid-level creative role? I got into this later in life than most and have had a tough time finding decent opportunities. Any advice?

I interviewed 3 weeks ago for a job I really am excited about. My main contact throughout most of the process was executive level of which they mentioned interviews would wrap last week. Cont...

I highly recommend a book I’m reading, “This Chair Rocks, a Manifesto Against Ageism,” for everyone here. Among others things it’s helped me realize how I myself buy into ageism and reduce myself.

We tell younger people to “find a sponsor, align with people who can position you for the right opportunities. So why is it harder for fish like us, 40+, hesitate to ask for help? What holds you back?

Why did they get rid of the Larry Tate in the header of this group? It made me chuckle.

Honest question: what have you learned from the younger people in your office? Do you tend to teach/guide more or learn more from them?