Anyone in here no where near where they want to be/thought they’d be by this age either in career? I’m not and am panicking. (Please don’t think just because I work at WK that I’ve made it. I feel invisible here). I don’t know how to get ahead now that I am on the dangerous side of age.

A majority of people will say they are no where near where they want to be in their career at any age. It's daunting in this field especially. Your feelings are valid. I got in late in the game (45) however didn't know ageism was a thing and had experience + ignorance so I made my way up the chain. Now at 59 I'm feeling the pain of this crisis and much more aware of age as s factor. If you go by my story you have a few decades before you age out, or longer, and plenty of time to make your career what you want it to be. The real question may be defining what you really want at this point in your life. I think we all are reflecting on that a little more these days. Don't judge yourself too harshly.

Personally, the mistake I have made is thinking that there is some title or salary or accomplishment endgame. A point where I will clap my hands together, shrug and say “Welp, that’s it, looks like I’ve won the game of life. Who wants a drink?”

There isn’t.

How much money do you need to retire? What title do you need to attain before you think you’ve “made it“?

Not to pat myself on the back but I have done some good/awarded/effective work over the years; I have (what I’m told is) a good reputation; have always helped others; and I have been mostly successful for 30 years...and yet, while almost always sociable and a good “culture guy” I have not been a good “career manager” or title chaser or hallway politician or back slapper, and therefore have seen people with arguably inferior (subjectively) experience/qualifications or work or character keep landing great jobs as CCO’s or ECD’s, while I remain mostly “just” a CD. And a freelance one at that, often trying to get work from those very CCOs and ECDs.

But the question you have to ask yourself is: what would you, or did you, or should you sacrifice/have sacrificed in order to land those titles and “make it”? Your personal life or family relationships? The stability of a permanent home? Being a parent? Your physical or mental health?

Sounds cliche but I think it’s all about what makes you happy in the end. And as the previous paragraphs show, it sounds terrible and selfish to keep judging yourself against others’ accomplishments and lamenting “WHY THEM WHY NOT ME WAAAA WAAAAA” (that’s me, not you)...instead, just really think about what makes you truly happy in life.

Because it’s taken me 30 years to realize that I am fine “just“ being a CD or whatever the hell someone wants to call me. Could I be a CCO or ECD somewhere? Depending on the agency, absolutely. (e.g. I would let someone like Wieden call me an intern for all I care.)

But I’ve realized that in the end, I still like rolling up my sleeves and DOING stuff (versus just managing): writing, concepting, making, producing, and hopefully inspiring others both below and above me to do the same. As long as that allows me to take care of/enjoy my family & friends (such as we all can right now), it doesn’t matter where the industry or society or Ad Age or a CCO/recruiter at Wieden, Podunk Regional Ad Agency Inc. or anywhere else believes I am “supposed“ to be at this point in my career.

Sorry for the long response, hope it helps in some way.

Being at W+K is the best career insurance anyone can ever have.

You will be heard. Doors will be opened. Don’t worry.

It’s a very small pyramid at the top. I have friends who are ECD’s and CCO’s at big, famous agencies. I went to ad school with peeps who are heads of creative networks. I’m “just” an ACD. This business is weird. I know people who are just as talented (sometimes more so) as the ones I’ve mentioned who either get tired of it or quit and do something else.

Sometimes I wonder what would have happened to my career if I hadn’t focused on entrepreneurial stuff in the middle of it. Who knows.

I did just recently finish a 6 month freelance gig that was high stress working 60, 70 and a few 80-hour weeks. I don’t think that’s sustainable long term. I know I was a little burnt out at the end, and that’s with the agency people being wonderful.

I would think, at the very least, that you’re not set up to fail at WK. Because that’s the way it is at so many places.

I’m 60, have been in the agency business for 30+ years. I’ve had the privilege of working internationally in seven countries, saw the world many times over. When I joined this business is was an aspirational profession. I was fulfilling my passion, working with amazing people and doing work I was so proud of. However in many ways the 1990’s and 2000’s were in my view the end of a great era. I’ve been lucky to have had the career and achieved what I set out to do.

Despite successes my passion is gone and
I’ve become quite cynical about the business.
Should I go out on a high? It’s a difficult decision.

I grew up with a single mom and went to art school. I was rudderless, but happy, for years until someone suggested I’d be a good fit for this industry. I’m so glad I did. I’ve increased my salary 100k in 9 years. I have ambition to do good work and to keep upping my game. I do not have ambition for titles and recognition. I still can’t believe I get paid this much to do something I truly enjoy. That’s my perspective. And it is all perspective.

Start your own business. You’d be surprised how easy it is.

You’re not alone. We’re all in this together, OP. Unfortunately at this stage those positions aren’t based as much on creative talent as much as the ability to bullshit.

I think we always need to have couple of plan Bs or 2nd career. Either a side hustle project that might lead you a different path.

Some friends just become investor. In shares or estate.

My friend, don’t judge yourself too harshly. Perhaps the problem is that you’re using the wrong yardstick? Too many of us got into this industry expecting the exception (huge title, huge paycheck, limitless Lions). But are you enjoying your work? Do you feel fulfilled and challenged? Does it still excite you to work on projects? When we fall for the myth of the perfect career, we let the pursuit of the “good stuff” rob us of the BEST stuff. Seek to use your talents while challenging yourself to learn more and grow; to meet and engage with interesting people; to find joy and humor and fun in what you do; and to be satisfied with the results of your hard work and effort, but to always push yourself to do more.

Much of happiness lies in how you frame your life. So pick a different yardstick and enjoy the many things you have!

I wish you peace, my friend.

I’m so with you on this. I’ve worked so hard to be mindful of comparing myself to my classmates and where we are in our respective careers. I feel good about the work I’m doing, the team I’m leading and the business I’m running. What I struggle with is not having a seat at the table because there’s an “S” instead of an “E” in my title. It’s the reality of agency hierarchy but at some point it’s hard to feel like I’m permanently at the kids table.

Me. Although I went back to college a decade after high school I figured by now I would be 1-2 levels above where I am. Wasn’t happy when my boss hired a director from outside who had less experience than me she is now an svp and I am director. I easily could have done her job at the time.

You are certainly not alone. Freelance Creative Director hit on so many good points. I think it’s tough because when most of us started, it took a lot longer to hit certain levels than it does today. As a result, I not only see folks in positions such as MD or EVP that I feel as qualified as, but younger people
10 years junior that are only a level away from my experience. It makes you feel like you took a wrong turn somehow. That said, I also have worked with a lot of Presidents and senior level account folk and though “I do not ever want your job.” So, I think it really is putting weighing desire for title / certain role vs what might be good right now. It’s definitely tough.

I see - maybe just change it up and do some smaller projects - take one or two clients so you don’t lose your sense of center by completely dropping out. More of a lifestyle business where you call the shots and can have a more relaxing lifestyle.

I’m guessing you’re in Portland?

You are not alone in wondering about your path, but I’m more curious about what you want and why you feel you don’t know how to get ahead now.