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We’re all trying to GTFO
Freelancing has been incredibly steady for me (& I’m making about 20-25% more than what I made on staff). I’m 58. Don’t expect to ever get another staff job but freelance has been so lucrative, I don’t care.
For the situation described by the OP, this is likely the realistic answer.
I’ll also add that whatever you do if you’re worried about covering that huge salary and living the same way you’ve always been you can move south. I know you northern folk think we’re just a bunch of hillbillies down here but living in NC at a1/3 of the cost, doing the same work and having access to the clean beaches and mountains is easy living. Def less stressful.
Oh boy I’m in the midst of trying to make this happen... (20 years in, sole breadwinner and can’t leave NYC). Really not sure if there is a clear option other than going in-house on client side but it seems nearly impossible. Either not qualified or massive $100k salary cut.
Start-ups are hiring agency people like crazy but risky for us “old” people.
Working for the city or state in economic development or marketing has fascinated me personally (ie. They provide a pension) but salary is also low.
Ugh. I’ll be curious to see what others suggestions are.
What are the good freelance shops to look at?
Nothing will pay you or reward you as must as this biz will with no degree or credentials to do anything else Collect yourself. Get back in it with a new perspective.
💧
Worked at MullenLowe down here in the south and it has since dissolved. Decided to trust my experience and knowledge and those who are also in the same situation. Started an agency about 2 yrs ago and while I’ve been freelancing to subsidize my income while we get the agency into the churning money, I wouldn’t trade the experience. It’s been an awesome adventure, you learn to say FU to the industry and focus on you and your career and help small to medium to large business grow and do great work that isn’t shit on by the industry and award whores. The goal is to eventually sell and hopefully cash out in several years but we’ll enjoy the ride, the travel, the business education and new experiences I wouldn’t have had while in an agency. Once I’m out I can open up the hot dog stand I’ve always wanted
My mother went for a federal gov’t post as an INS agent in her mid-40s after being out of the workforce full-time for 20 years (raising kids, never got to use the degree she earned, did real estate to get some income). Did not start out super high but annual raises + performance raises quickly increased her salary, plus a set 8:30-4:30 schedule gave her good benefits, the opportunity to always be with us nights and weekends and retire at 65 with a full pension.
Thanks. Unfortunately, INS dissolved in 2003, replaced by USCIS. I looked up the salary, it starts at $23K per year in NYC.
https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/new-employee-information-and-forms/new-employee-guidance-kit/pay-and-leave
Client side or freelance will be your best options.
Real estate.
I’ve seen a couple of ACD and CDs get out and go client side, specifically in finance (accounting firms and big banks). I’m a PM and, though the field is different, I recently did this exact thing myself.
Had two 40 plus copywriter friends go freelance directly with clients. Lot of digital and social needs, plus many clients already have designers on staff.
Move to a small market and start your own thing (and by thing I mean agency). There’s some money to be made if you find your niche.
I’m doing just that in LA but it’s really hard and stressful. I just got into The Writers Guild a couple of years ago and finally may be on the verge of getting staffed on a series but it is hard. I suggest you might have to do several things at once using your skills. For instance I might be writing screenplays but I’m also ghostwriting, I also am a staffer for a trade magazine and I am up for a teaching gig At UCLA. Good luck!
&ECD2—but how are your bagels & pizza? (Thinking about moving to NC, btw. Are there a lot of agencies?)
Good lick? Now that’s what I call a perk!
Me too!! Unfortunately the same pay is pricing to be an issue.