Any ADs start their career later than the typical AD?

I’m almost 33, just landed my first full time jr role after portfolio school. I’m terrified of being phased out.

I feel like my concepts/thoughts/feedback won’t be considered bc of my experience in combination with my age.

Im thankful for the work and the opportunity, just feeling less than, especially bc life outside of work is lacking bc of sacrifices made.

Should I find mentors? Find a tangible/eventual career trajectory/pivot?

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I was older than you when I started. Juniors your age, while not the norm, aren’t that rare. You will be fine. “Aging out” is less about actual age and more about salary. And anyway, if you’re truly great at what you do, there will always be a place for you.

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Landed my first one at 31. Also just got laid off at 32 😭😭. 40 seems so close. I considered switching to a producer role.

50+ creative here, started at your age. Had a great 10 years or so to start. A-list clients, great assignments, cool agencies, a few awards. Rose through the ranks, got to the CD level, but never became a big shot. Then my hair turned very gray. Then the job offers started to dwindle, then I went freelance, then I went into pharma. Weiden is right-if you’re truly great, there will be a spot for you. But most of us aren’t truly great. I know i’m not. I am a pretty good creative, fast, professional and reliable. A journeyman. There used to be many of us in the business- creatives in their fifties and sixties who are very good at their jobs, but not “rock stars”. Now there are very few. Outside of pharma, almost none. I’m fortunate to have a job. It’s a crappy job where I spend most of my time revising things to suit the whims of 30-something account folks who know in their hearts that they are always right.
I’m essentially a clerk, albeit a well paid one. My boss is happy because I need no hand-holding and can take a project from concepting to final execution on my own. We haven’t even spoken in weeks. The boss concentrates on the few cool assignments we get. But at least I still get to write and create, though nowadays I find my victories in a well crafted email about holes in your stomach, rather than a brilliant way to promote soda.
I never had a mentor. Most of my bosses have been younger than me, which can be tricky to handle if you want to be mentored. Many people feel awkward about mentoring someone who’s not only older, but has more life experience than them. If you can fine one, hold on to that relationship and nurture it. If you can find a team that’s free of prejudice in all its forms, join it. If you’re truly remarkable, don’t worry about it; you’ll be fine and end up working alongside Weiden. If you’re merely good, remember that it’s still more fun to create something than to push papers, even when you’re doing it for irritable bowel disease. Good luck.

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